Ben Stokes, the English all-rounder, is set to miss the start of the IPL season with Rajasthan Royals. He is currently in New Zealand to be with his father, Ged, who is battling brain cancer. This has been a deeply challenging time for Stokes, who flew out mid-way through a Test series against Pakistan last month to provide support to his father.
Despite arriving in New Zealand, Stokes couldn't see his father immediately due to the strict 14-day quarantine rules for all international travelers. Now that he is finally reuniting with his father, a source from the Rajasthan Royals indicated that this delay is why he'll likely miss the early phase of IPL 2020. The franchise has stated they completely respect his choice. To ensure he has the necessary space and quality time with his family, the team will avoid contacting him for now, postponing any talks regarding his availability for the season.
A close source from Rajasthan Royals informed that since Ben Stokes has been able to meet his father recently because of the quarantine period he is most likely to miss part of the IPL 2020 season due to this reason. The franchise has informed that they respect his decision. Also, Stokes will not be contacted by the franchise as they feel it is important for him to spend quality time with his father and discussions about his availability for this season can be had for another time.
The Rajasthan Royals are set to begin their IPL 2020 journey on September 19, facing off against the Chennai Super Kings.