England star player Ben Stokes on Tuesday pulled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup, saying the “sacrifice” would help him focus on getting fit, playing at full capacity and becoming “the all-rounder I want to be for the foreseeable future”. The country’s Test captain has informed the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) of his decision, two months ahead of the matches due to be played in the United States and West Indies. “I am working hard and focusing on regaining my bowling fitness to get the best out of me as an all-rounder in all forms of cricket.

“Opting out of the Indian Premier League and World Cup will hopefully be a sacrifice that will allow me to become the all-rounder I want to be for the foreseeable future,” Stokes said in a statement issued by the ECB.

The 32-year-old Stokes, who was in charge of the team that lost 4-1 to India in the Test series earlier this year, said the tour made him realize that he is not yet fully comfortable with his bowling .

“The recent Test tour of India highlighted how behind I was from a bowling perspective after knee surgery and nine months without bowling.

“I’m looking forward to playing for the County Durham Championship before the summer Test starts. I wish Jos (Buttler), Moty (Matthew Mott) and all the team the best of luck in their defense of the title.” England at Set to defend their title in the Caribbean after winning the last edition of the tournament in Australia in 2022, Stokes made it a winning streak by beating Pakistan by five wickets in the MCG final.

However, he has played only two T20 games since then, both in last year’s IPL.

Stokes had retired from ODI cricket in 2022 but reversed his decision last year to attend the 50-over World Cup in India and subsequently underwent knee surgery that ruled him out for the Test series against India Play in the game.

In five games for India, he bowled just five deliveries.

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