What next for Stokes after tumultuous summer?

Former England captain Ben Stokes faces a major shift in his career after stepping away from international cricket and losing his central contract for the first time since 2014. Following a successful summer leading Durham to the County Championship Division Two title, the 35-year-old all-rounder is preparing to enter the global T20 franchise circuit, starting with the Adelaide Strikers in Australia's Big Bash League.

Stokes's future presents several logistical hurdles, including IPL ineligibility until 2028 after missing the 2025 mega-auction and potential ECB clearance issues regarding domestic clashing tournaments. However, Durham's new director of cricket Ryan Campbell expects Stokes to continue playing county cricket, while Adelaide reportedly plans to utilize him as an opening batsman in his upcoming T20 return.