Ben Stokes prepare for IPL despite coronavirus lockdown in India

New Delhi : England all-rounder Ben Stokes was seen preparing for the delayed Indian Premier League despite the fact that the country is under complete lockdown for 21 days to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Indian Premier League was scheduled for March 29 this year, but since India is locked down till April 14, the final call on whether it will be held this year or not will be taken after April 15.

"At the moment my next competitive cricket is going to be in the IPL," Stokes told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I have to get my head round that I am playing even though in the back of my mind I know I am probably not. I have to build up and get myself physically in a position that if it does happen I am good to go."

"I cannot take three weeks off and expect the body to be ready for 20 April because it doesn’t work like that. It might happen and if it does I don’t want to be behind," Stokes said. "There will be a lot of advice given to us and if it was an option to go we will have to take the sensible one."

Meanwhile, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has said that they have not decided on IPL yet and they will wait and watch accordingly. 

Ben Stokes, who plays for Rajasthan Royals, is one of 13 English players who have an IPL contract.