Will Ben Stokes miss out on ICC World T20 2021 in UAE?

The cricketing world is gearing up to be gripped in Twenty20 fever as the highly anticipated ICC World T20 2021 gets underway in the United Arab Emirates from next month. However, there seems to be a concern and uncertainty in the English camp regarding a particular player.

Star all-rounder Ben Stokes could miss out on the event owing to multiple issues. While he has been on a break from the sport due to focus on his mental health, he would also want to give enough time for his surgically-repaired left index finger to heal.

Stokes is not taking part in the ongoing five-Test series for the Pataudi Trophy. He also won't be participating in the resuming Indian Premier League 2021 in the gulf for Rajasthan Royals, while the franchise has replaced him with Windies pacer Oshane Thomas.

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According to a Daily Mail report, it is unclear if he would be travelling with the English side to Dubai next month. However, sources close to Stokes have confirmed that he is not looking to take part in cricket.

September 10 happens to be the International Cricket Council's deadline for squad selection of the WT20, while England is expected to meet this weekend to announce its 15-member squad, along with three standby players. England could likely announce the squad by September 9, as it wises to wait until the last moment to get clarity on Stokes' situation.

The report adds that the squad can make changes seven days before the tournament, until October 10. Therefore, England's head coach Chris Silverwood is expected to name Stokes in the initial 18-member squad for the event. However, it is unlikely that the England and Wales Cricket Board would give any undue pressure on Stokes to make his return, having promised him all the time he needs to be fit.

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