England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, is set to join the MI Cape Town squad for the upcoming edition of the SA20 league, although he will not be participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This marks Stokes’s first experience with a Mumbai Indians franchise team, having previously played for other IPL teams such as the Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Chennai Super Kings.
MI Cape Town, owned by the Mumbai Indians, has faced challenges in its first two seasons, finishing last in both campaigns. Led by Kieron Pollard, the franchise is looking to improve its performance and hopes that the addition of Stokes will serve as a turning point in their quest for success in the league. The acquisition of Stokes is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the team’s prospects for the third season of the South African T20 franchise competition.
How much will Ben Stokes earn in the SA20 2025?
As reported by the Telegraph, Stokes has secured a lucrative contract worth GBP 800,000 for his participation in the SA20 2025 season. This figure underscores the high regard in which the all-rounder is held within the cricketing community, reflecting both his talent and marketability. He will be joining a talented dressing room at MI Cape Town, which includes his England teammates Sam Curran and Jofra Archer, adding further depth and experience to the squad.
The SA20 2025 season is set to begin on January 9, 2025, with the final scheduled for February 8. The timing of the tournament is noteworthy as it precedes the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to commence on February 19, just ten days after the conclusion of the SA20. The league’s structure and scheduling aim to enhance the competitiveness of domestic T20 cricket in South Africa while providing players like Stokes with a platform to showcase their skills ahead of international commitments.
Stokes’s move to MI Cape Town reflects the growing trend of international players participating in various T20 leagues around the world, contributing to the globalization of the sport. As the cricketing landscape continues to evolve, the addition of such high-profile players is expected to elevate the level of competition and attract more fans to the SA20 league.
