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ECB Blocks Ben Stokes' Overseas Franchise Dreams Despite Retirement
M
Moneycontrol•26-09-2026, 18:59
ECB Blocks Ben Stokes' Overseas Franchise Dreams Despite Retirement
- •The ECB is unlikely to grant Ben Stokes a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to play in overseas franchise leagues in 2027, despite his retirement from international cricket.
- •Stokes is reportedly in talks with Major League Cricket (MLC) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for 2027, but the ECB's reluctance stems from his registration with Durham.
- •While his central contract with the ECB expires in September, giving him more freedom, the board's regulations can prevent players registered with a domestic county from participating in overseas tournaments that overlap with the English season.
- •Updated ECB regulations from November 2024 allow the board to reject NOC requests if an overseas tournament clashes with the domestic season or compromises the stability of ECB competitions.
- •Stokes is particularly keen on MLC, scheduled for June-July 2027, but his participation could be blocked if it conflicts with the domestic season under current ECB rules.
Key Questions Answered
The ECB is unlikely to grant a no-objection certificate (NOC) while Stokes remains registered with Durham, under updated regulations allowing the board to reject requests if an overseas tournament overlaps with the domestic season or compromises ECB competition stability.
Stokes has been in discussions with Major League Cricket (MLC) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) regarding potential participation in 2027.
Ben Stokes's central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board is set to expire at the end of September.
