'There is so much cricket': England skipper Ben Stokes explains call to skip IPL auction

Ben Stokes may be entering the back-end of his career but the England skipper is not willing to give up any chances of holding onto the national jersey.

The all-rounder was a notable absence from the IPL's auction, electing to not enter in attempt to strip back his playing schedule in favour of his international commitments.

His decision sees him facing a ban from the tournament for the next two seasons.

READ MORE: 'Big mistakes' facing selectors over Marnus replacements

READ MORE: 'Exceptionally raw' Hughes reality Clarke still finds 'hard'

READ MORE: Beautiful reason child was chosen to present premiership cup

Having previously competed in the IPL, new rules state that Stokes will be unable for selection in the mini-auction if he did not register for the mega-auction.

This would see Stokes out of action in the competition until 2026, when he will be 35.

"There's no hiding behind the fact that I'm at the back-end of my career," Stokes told BBC Sport.

"I obviously want to play as long as I possibly can. There is just so much cricket.

"Looking after my body and looking after myself as much as I can is key to that."

Stokes' previous sales in the auction have seen him taken over $1.9 million (AUD) but lingering injury concerns have forced him to withdraw from several matches.

View gallery

How star's $4.9m deal compares to Aussie records

"[It is about] prioritising games and when I do play - obviously I'm in South Africa this year - so it's about looking at what I've got ahead and making the decision that I think is right for me to be able to prolong my career as long as possible.

"I want to wear this England shirt for as long as I can."

The 33-year-old is set to lead England out in the first Test against New Zealand, which begins on Thursday morning (AEDT) in Christchurch.