Home » Stokes wants more players’ input to avoid cramped schedule

Stokes wants more players’ input to avoid cramped schedule

Ben Stokes wants more players to provide input to avoid a cramped international schedule that has filled England’s busy calendar.

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STOKES WANTS PLAYERS’ INPUT TO AVOID CRAMPED INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE

Furthermore, Stokes wants players to provide their input to avoid a cramped international schedule like England is facing.

The England Test captain cited the increase in franchise cricket action as one of the factors leading to a congested schedule.

Moreover, Stokes said a tight schedule will not only affect the quality of cricket the players will also perform in major tournaments.

It will also hamper the development of England teams in general moving forward, he added.

“It (cramped schedule) is something that does need to be addressed. Who knows what international cricket is going to look like, with all the franchise stuff that is going on as well? the captain said.

“It does need to get looked at. The landscape is constantly changing,” he added.

Ben Stokes calls for more player input on the international schedule, ahead of a non-stop year ahead for England's red and white-ball sides 🥵

👉 https://t.co/Dr5M8wB48d pic.twitter.com/vRFlDIFq3W

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 25, 2024

BUTTLER, FTP CONSULTATION SOUGHT TO ADDRESS SCHEDULE CONCERNS

Moreover, consultations with Captain Jos Buttler and the Future Tours Programme (FTP) may be necessary.

This should address England cricket’s schedule concerns.

“I think some consultation might be quite nice, obviously to Jos (Buttler) and myself,” Stokes said.

“The FTP could maybe see the people playing in it consulted, and I think we could have some good input in that,” he added.

Furthermore, the 33-year-old all-around himself has been tight-lipped regarding his white-ball career.

It would be recalled that Stokes opted out of the T20 World Cup last month to focus on his Test duties.

He has a very valid point – always seems to me that the last people who are consulted on the schedules are the players. Actually – it's probably the spectators who get absolutely no say in anything sadly but the players voices do need to be listened to. https://t.co/tnQKrSFeb5

— Elizabeth Ammon (@legsidelizzy) July 25, 2024

ENGLAND’S SCHEDULE CRAMPED FRM AUGUST 2024 TO MARCH 2026

Furthermore, England’s men’s team’s schedule is cramped from August this year to March 2026.

England will face Australia, Pakistan, West Indies, and New Zealand in either T20Is or ODIs in the next four months.

That doesn’t include their upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka starting next month.

England will face India in three ODIs and 5 T20Is from January and February next year.

Moreover, Stokes and company will also vie for the ICC Champions Trophy from February to March.

Meanwhile, Stokes hopes to see the return of England’s multi-format players like Harry Brook, Mark Wood, and Jofra Archer to action.

The trio are mooted to return to the Test side in 2025, but they might also seek opportunities on the T20 franchise circuit.

Ben Stokes on England's decision to name an unchanged XI for the third Test against West Indies 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/cvOweE6QJQ

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 25, 2024