'No One Was Going To Make That Decision': Ben Stokes' Big Remark On Retirement

Published 3 July 2026 · india

'No One Was Going To Make That Decision': Ben Stokes' Big Remark On Retirement Published By, Last Updated: July 03, 2026, 21:53 IST Ben Stokes

'No One Was Going To Make That Decision': Ben Stokes' Big Remark On Retirement Published By, Last Updated: July 03, 2026, 21:53 IST Ben Stokes shares an emotional message, reflecting on his 15-year England career, thanking fans and teammates, and saying he wanted to be alone in deciding to give up int. cricket. Ben Stokes (Picture Credit: AFP) Ben Stokes has released a rather candid statement on social media about his international retirement. In the emoji-filled post, he spoke about the ‘mad 15 years’ at the highest level, how much he loves the English fans and his teammates, how he was looking forward to ‘being a fan’ and hospitality tickets, but also how he was never letting anyone else decide when his time was up.

Stokes called off his career in the middle of the third, series-deciding Test against New Zealand. He ended up going out in a rather dramatic fashion, taking a wicket in the over after the crowd got to know about his departure, and then coming out to open the batting. While the timing of the call seemed to help England and Stokes’ bowling, his change of position clearly played a role in the eventual 160-run defeat. “It’s been a mad 15 years," Stokes said in a statement. “It’s had everything thrown in there, from the highest highs to the lowest lows (on and off the field 😜). My time was up, and no one was going to be able to make that decision other than me.

But in the meantime, I just want to say I ❤️ every single England fan and every single cricket fan who’s supported me over the years. I ❤️ every single person I’ve walked out onto the field with representing England. I could go on and on, but I hope you get the gist of how much I loved doing what I did for 15 years. I’m looking forward to being a fan and supporting the team, and the odd day in hospitality won’t go amiss 🤣. Family, friends, teammates, fans… I ❤️ yas all. Stokesy," he signed off. Stokes’s retirement from international cricket was inconceivable before the Tests began, but the nightclub incident and accusations of the ECB conspiring to push him out changed the country’s cricket in weeks.

News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Nadim Tiruvuru, India, India First Published: July 03, 2026, 21:53 IST News india 'No One Was Going To Make That Decision': Ben Stokes' Big Remark On Retirement Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...