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Ben Stokes has found himself at the centre of a growing disagreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board only months after retiring from international cricket. The all-rounder stepped away from England duty in June 2026 following the third Test against New Zealand.
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Stokes has since returned to play for Durham and recently signed with the Adelaide Strikers for the forthcoming Big Bash League season. He is keen to feature in other franchise competitions in 2027, including Major League Cricket in the United States and the Pakistan Super League. However, the plans are hit with some controversy and disagreement.
Ben Stokes faces ECB NOC refusal; PSL & MLC plans hit with disagreement
The ECB has shown reluctance to issue the necessary no-objection certificates, making his discussions with the PSL and MLC franchises to play in 2027 unlikely, as per a report in the Guardian. Although his central contract concluded in September 2026, Stokes remains registered with Durham. Updated ECB regulations allow the board to withhold permission if an overseas tournament overlaps with the English domestic season or is judged to affect the stability of its competitions.
Durham is understood to be exploring short-term contract options that could free Stokes to participate as an independent player. He is not expected to return to the Indian Premier League next year due to registration rules tied to the mega-auction cycle. Meanwhile, the MLC is scheduled for June and July 2027, and it directly overlaps with the English county season.
Additionally, the Pakistan league also falls within the scope of competitions the ECB, Hence, it has been understood that the ECB would be reportedly not be willing to approved under the revised framework. The player, meanwhile, is actively seeking participation from the two possible leagues, the PSL and MLC, but is facing regulatory resistance from the governing body.
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