Ben Stokes: England Test captain says he understands why players are choosing T20 leagues over country

England Test captain Ben Stokes says he understands why players are opting for lucrative T20 tournaments over central contracts with the national team, acknowledging the changing cricket landscape.

England fast bowler Mark Wood recently revealed his indecision regarding a central contract, citing the financial incentives offered by the UAE T20 League. Similarly, batter Jason Roy gave up his contract to join Major League Cricket earlier this year.

Stokes empathized with their decisions, emphasizing, "We know the whole landscape of cricket is changing, and that is great for the individuals who are still within the game and great for those who are coming through."

He continued, saying, "If a person makes a decision because they think it's the best for themselves, the future, and security of their families, then it's very hard to disagree with that."

Stokes made these remarks ahead of England's first one-day international against New Zealand in Cardiff. He emphasized that cricket's evolving opportunities might attract more individuals to the sport and encourage them to pursue it as a career. Each player, he added, has a unique perspective and must consider various factors beyond their career.

In light of Stokes' return to the ODI setup after reversing his retirement from the format, England dropped Harry Brook from the provisional 15-member squad for the World Cup. However, Brook, aged 24, has received a call-up to England's squad for the upcoming four-match ODI series against New Zealand.

Stokes expressed confidence in Brook's abilities, stating, "Everyone is aware of the talent he possesses and how good he is." He further emphasized that Brook is expected to be a part of England squads for the foreseeable future and that final decisions about the World Cup squad would depend on the players' form in the upcoming series.

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