Ben Stokes has opted out of the T20 World Cup in June, informing England's management of his decision not to be considered for selection. 

Despite his pivotal role in England's victory in the 2022 final, he has played only two T20 matches since. Stokes sees skipping the World Cup as a necessary sacrifice to focus on being the allrounder he aspires to be.

After initially retiring from ODI cricket in 2022 but returning for the 2023 ODI World Cup last year, Stokes postponed knee surgery, limiting his recent bowling opportunities. 

He plans to feature for Durham in the County Championship after sitting out IPL 2024.

"I'm working hard and focusing on building my bowling fitness back up to fulfil a full role as an allrounder in all formats of cricket," Stokes said in a statement released by the ECB on Tuesday. 

The England Test captain plans to feature for Durham in the County Championship after sitting out IPL 2024.

"Opting out of the IPL and the World Cup will hopefully be a sacrifice that allows me to be the allrounder I want to be for the foreseeable future,” he said.

"The recent Test tour of India highlighted how far behind I was from a bowling point of view after my knee surgery and nine months without bowling. I'm looking forward to playing for Durham in the County Championship before the start of our Test summer. I wish Jos [Buttler], Motty [Matthew Mott] and all the team the best of luck in defending our title," Stokes added.