England Test captain to skip 2024 IPL to manage fitness and workload All-rounder Ben Stokes, 32, is suffering from knee surgery.

The 2023 IPL saw Stokes sign for Chennai Super Kings as their most expensive signing, though due to injuries, he played only twice.

It was stated that CSK’s “management is supportive” of Stokes’ “decision to manage his workload”.

During his two appearances for the Super Kings in the 2023 competition, Stokes scored 15 runs and bowled one over for 18 runs.

It has not yet been confirmed when the 2024 IPL will take place, but the tournament will likely take place between March and May.

Stokes has been hampered by a persistent knee issue throughout recent years, although he declined to reveal more about the exact nature of the injury or the operation when asked about it during the World Cup earlier this month.

The player turned his back on his one-day international retirement to play in England’s World Cup defence and after doing so said he had a “very good plan” to fix the injury problem.

Since Stokes has not bowled since 1 July – day four of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s – England is finding it difficult to balance their 50-over and Test teams.

England’s Test series with India is due to begin on 25 January in Visakhapatnam.