Cricket

Stuart Broad cautions ECB against making Ben Stokes ODI captain

Former England cricketer Stuart Broad has warned the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) against appointing all-rounder Ben Stokes as captain for the One Day International (ODI) format.

The debate began after Jos Butler’s resignation as England’s White ball captain following their dismal campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The three lions remained winless in the tournament, registering defeats against England, South Africa and Afghanistan.

Following the marquee event debacle, ECB managing director Rob Key named Ben Stokes as the notable candidate for a leadership role in ODIs.

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“Ben Stokes is one of the best captains I’ve ever seen, so it would be stupid not to look at him. It’s just the knock-on effect of what that means,” Key stated.

“You look at every single option and think: What is the best thing to do? How is that going to impact other things?” he added.

In light of this statement, Stuart Broad has downplayed the idea of making Stokes the skipper of the ODI side, terming it a “decision of desperation.”

“I would be lost for words if England appointed him,” Broad stated.

The pacer highlighted Ben Stokes’s workload management and commitment to Test cricket in taking on this role.

“Firstly, there’s the schedule. He’s skipping the IPL to focus on Test cricket and manage his body for major assignments ahead. How many overs has Stokes successfully bowled in the last three years while battling knee injuries? Not many.”

“And now you’re going to add the workload of bowling eight to ten overs per match in the 50-over format? The mathematics of that make no sense,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention that the England team will host India for a five-match Test series and will also play the Ashes series later in the year.

READ: ‘Everyone goes through a rough patch’: Former Pakistan captain defends Babar Azam

A Sports

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