Ben Stokes remains tight-lipped on whether he'll play in Champions Trophy 2025

England’s Test captain Ben Stokes is currently leading his team in a Test series against Pakistan. During a recent presser, Stokes was asked whether he plans to return to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place in Pakistan in February 2025, will mark the country’s return to hosting an ICC event after more than a decade. Pakistan last hosted an ICC tournament before the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team, which resulted in an international cricket ban. Since the ban was lifted, Pakistan has hosted several bilateral series, and this upcoming tournament is highly anticipated.

When asked about his possible return to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, Stokes gave a brief yet playful answer. He told the reporter, "Wait till February!" The video of his response was shared on social media, drawing attention from fans.

Stokes, who is England’s Test captain, was also part of the squad in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, where England had a tough run, losing to teams like Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

Stokes took charge of the England team for the 2nd Test in the current Pakistan tour, though he missed the 1st match, where Ollie Pope led the side. Unfortunately, Stokes struggled with both bat and ball in the 2nd Test. He was dismissed for 1 and 37 in his two innings and did not take any wickets.

Despite his efforts, England couldn’t make a strong comeback after Pakistan’s impressive win in the 2nd Test. The series is currently tied at 1-1, with the decisive 3rd Test underway at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.