Ben Stokes looks set to play competitive cricket again just over a week after leaving international cricket. He ended a 15-year England career on 29 June 2026 and with it a four-year spell as Test captain, after the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. The 35-year-old pointed to the mental demands and extra responsibilities of playing and captaining England.
Back to Durham
Stokes has stressed he is not leaving the game. He is expected to turn out for his boyhood county, Durham, and is considering franchise opportunities in white-ball cricket. Quoted by the BBC, he said being back at Durham during the second Test, which he missed, gave him a fresh enthusiasm for the sport and that he is excited about what comes next.
Durham head coach Ryan Campbell hopes Stokes will play in this summer’s One-Day Cup, which starts on 21 July with Durham facing Derbyshire.
Franchise plans
Stokes is not contracted for The Hundred this season, having chosen not to enter the auction, so county cricket may be his next appearance. He is also expected to explore overseas franchise options in the winter. He missed the 2024-25 SA20 with a hamstring injury and could return to that competition later.
No Ashes comeback for now
There is continuing talk of a return for the 2027 Ashes, but Stokes has firmly ruled out reversing his retirement at this stage.
