CSK to release Ben Stokes before IPL 2024 auction - Reports

CSK had bought Ben Stokes for a whopping 16.25 crores in the IPL 2023 auction.

The Chennai Super Kings made history when they beat the Gujarat Titans in the final of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League at the Narendra Modi Stadium. They won the fifth IPL, equaling the Mumbai Indians' record for most IPL titles. CSK are looking to retain their title in the coming season. Hence, the franchise is all set to make big decisions ahead of the upcoming season.

One of the biggest names that joined the Chennai setup last season was English Test skipper Ben Stokes. The franchise broke bank to acquire him for the team, but it didn't go as per plan. CSK signed him at a price of INR 16.25 crore, making him the most expensive player for them in IPL auction history. But he failed to deliver in the first few matches and was injured later on. and now it seems that the franchise has decided to release Stokes.

IPL 2024 Auction: Ben Stokes to be realised by Chennai Super Kings

Ben Stokes played only two matches in the IPL 2023 and scored 15 runs in two matches. He bowled one over and gave away 18 runs. After that, he suffered an injury and was sidelined. Later, he left the camp to continue his national duties. As per some media reports, it has been learned that the franchise is all set to release the English Test captain.

He was expected to fire, which was the reason that a number of teams entered the bidding war when his name came out in the last auction. CSK did win the bidding war, but it didn't end as they would have liked. As a result, the Chennai-based franchise is likely to release him ahead of the upcoming IPL 2024 auction, which will take place in December.

Notably, the last date to submit the list of retained players is November 26, and Chennai are thinking beyond Ben Stokes now. Stokes earlier played under MS Dhoni for the Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017 and was named Player of the Tournament. He also played for the Rajasthan Royals, but didn't have much success. After missing the IPL, he joined CSK last season.