Ben Stokes exploring MLC deal which could clash with the 2027 Ashes

Former England all-rounder Ben Stokes is exploring the possibilities of participating in the 2027 season of the Major League Cricket (MLC), leaving further question marks over hopes of his participation in the Ashes series set to take place that summer.

Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket in June during the Third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Recently, speaking on the 'For the Love of Cricket' Podcast, Stokes confirmed that he was 'definitely' retired, dousing out rumours of a potential comeback for England's marquee series next year.

However, The Telegraph reported that the all-rounder is exploring stints in the United States during the summer while also being close to a lucrative deal with the Sydney Sixers for the 2026/27 Big Bash League. The dates for the 2027 season have not been confirmed yet, but with the tournament taking place in the window between the IPL and The Hundred, the dates could clash with the first few Tests of the Ashes.

Stokes is currently in action for Durham in the One-Day Cup, where he has scored 193 runs in four innings with one half-century and one century. The club would be open to letting Stokes have flexibility with his contracts and arrangements after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) changed their rules to allow white-ball-only players to participate in tournaments clashing with the English summer. It was further reported that Stokes is expected to feature for Durham in the County Championship and One-Day Cup, but not the T20 Blast, which could free up a window for his MLC participation.

“I care deeply about Durham. We have been through ups and downs as a county, all the financial stuff, being relegated, so it’s my job now to play for Durham and I am desperate to do whatever I can do to help them, whether it’s win the trophy this year in the 50-over competition or get back to Division One, which is where I think we deserve to be," Stokes said earlier in the week, as quoted by The Telegraph.

While the MLC is still just building its support base, the league has seen marquee names such as Pat Cummins and Travis Head take the field, while English players like Jason Roy and Alex Hales have taken part in the competition.