Cricket News: Brendon McCullum backs Ben Stokes for IPL amidst injury worries

Ben Stokes, the captain of England's test team, declared that he would play in the IPL in 2023 despite doubts about his fitness. The flashy all-rounder will only be permitted to play in the lucrative league if he is fit enough to play for England in the Ashes series.

During his team's thrilling second Test match against New Zealand in Wellington, the important England all-rounder battled a knee injury. Stokes' injury and fitness is currently being evaluated by the team management.

Thus, if it gets worse, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) may decide not to let him play in the IPL. Brendon McCullum, though, supports his Stokes' participation in the upcoming IPL.

As it will prepare the all-rounder for the Ashes at home later in the year. In the IPL 2023 auction, Stokes was signed by the four-time IPL champion Chennai Super Kings.

"The skipper has a strong mind and he knows how to get right for the big moments. His life is that, right? So I don't have any concerns. In fact, I look forward to watching him play in it [the IPL] knowing when he comes back into the fold and leads us into the Ashes campaign he'll have the bit between his teeth and I think we'll be all right,"

McCullum said to The Telegraph.

Thus, if the Englishman is declared fit by ECB to participate in the tournament, CSK will have a very good chance to clinch their 5th title.

McCullum also supported England opener Zak Crawley, who has been criticised for being one of the team's batting weaknesses in the game's longest format.

"Zak is one of those players who is going to be inconsistent because of the role he is asked to perform which is to impose himself on the opposition and try and play a style that puts them under pressure. Our team is set up at the top of the order for Zak to play like that. He is still a big player for us moving forward,"

Said the former Kiwi opener.

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