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[Saba Sports News] Reports suggest that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) may release Ben Stokes ahead of IPL 2024 due to concerns about his availability following a disappointing season. Stokes, who was bought for Rs 16.25 crore, played only two games in the last season. His upcoming knee surgery, requiring about two months’ recovery, has prompted CSK to reconsider his participation, especially given the league’s schedule from March to May 2024.
While CSK values Stokes as a significant player, they are cautious about blocking a substantial budget on him if he’s unavailable. This development comes amidst other IPL team changes, including rumors of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) potentially releasing Lockie Ferguson and speculation of trades involving Shardul Thakur and Harshal Patel, which have been dismissed.
Franchises are in intense discussions over high-profile trades, with the deadline for trades set for November 19. They must announce their retentions and releases by November 26, ahead of the auction on December 19 in Dubai. The IPL 2024 season is set to start on March 23 and end on May 29, with the BCCI expected to release the full schedule soon.