Will BCCI allow Ben Stokes to play IPL 2027? Check 3 teams that could bid for him

England legend Ben Stokes brought the curtain down on his international career after the third and final Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. The 35-year-old announced his retirement following England's heavy series defeat, ending an outstanding 15-year journey in international cricket. With his international commitments now over, attention has quickly shifted to whether the star all-rounder could make a return to the Indian Premier League in 2027. Here are three teams that could bid for him if the BCCI allows him to enter the IPL 2027 auction.

Stokes' retirement came shortly after he returned to England's playing XI following the nightclub controversy during the New Zealand series. The England captain was dropped for the second Test at The Oval after breaking the team curfew with pacer Gus Atkinson. However, he was later cleared of any wrongdoing and returned for the series-deciding Test at Trent Bridge, where the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officially confirmed his retirement from international cricket.

Although Stokes has retired from international cricket, he has made it clear that he will continue playing franchise cricket around the world. The all-rounder has enjoyed success in the IPL, scoring nearly 1,000 runs in 45 matches, including two centuries, while also contributing with the ball. His availability would likely attract strong interest from several IPL franchises ahead of the 2027 season.

However, Stokes cannot automatically enter the IPL 2027 auction. Under the BCCI's current rules, overseas players who skip the main player auction registration are not allowed to enter the mini auction later. Since Stokes did not register for the previous auction cycle, he would need a special exemption from the BCCI to become eligible. If the board grants him permission, here are the three IPL teams that could make a strong bid for the England all-rounder.

3. Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could once again be interested in signing Ben Stokes if he becomes eligible for the IPL 2027 auction. The five-time champions bought the England all-rounder ahead of IPL 2023, but his stint with the franchise was cut short by fitness issues. As a result, he played only two matches before missing the rest of the season.

Stokes did not have much of an impact during his brief spell with CSK. He scored 15 runs in two innings at an average of 7.50 and a strike rate of 107.14, with a highest score of 8. With the ball, he bowled just one over (6 deliveries), conceded 18 runs, and failed to take a wicket.

CSK finished eighth in the IPL 2026 season and could look to strengthen their squad with an experienced pace-bowling all-rounder. If the BCCI allows Stokes to enter the IPL 2027 auction, the Chennai-based franchise could consider bringing him back, hoping his experience and match-winning ability can strengthen both their batting and bowling departments.

2. Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians (MI) could be one of the strongest contenders to sign Ben Stokes if he becomes eligible for the IPL 2027 auction. The five-time champions endured a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, finishing ninth in the points table. As a result, the franchise is expected to make several changes to its squad ahead of the next season.

There have been media reports and speculation that captain Hardik Pandya could leave the franchise, while veteran batter Suryakumar Yadav has also been linked with a possible exit. However, these reports remain unconfirmed. If Mumbai lose one or both of these stars, they would need an experienced player who can strengthen both the batting and bowling departments.

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Ben Stokes could be the ideal option for Mumbai Indians. The England all-rounder is capable of making an impact with both bat and ball while also bringing valuable leadership experience to the squad. If the BCCI grants him permission to enter the IPL 2027 auction, MI could make a strong bid to add the experienced all-rounder to their lineup.

1.  Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings (PBKS) could be the frontrunners to sign Ben Stokes if he becomes eligible for the IPL 2027 auction. Despite reaching the playoffs in IPL 2026, Punjab lacked a reliable pace-bowling all-rounder who could consistently contribute with both bat and ball. Stokes' experience and ability to perform in pressure situations could make him an ideal fit for the franchise.

Punjab already have several all-rounders in their squad, including Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Suryansh Shedge, and Azmatullah Omarzai. However, none of them consistently delivered match-winning performances throughout the 2026 season. Stokes brings far more international and IPL experience than most of these players and has a proven record of changing games with both bat and ball.

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Another reason Punjab could target Stokes is to strengthen their fielding and overall balance. During the 2026 season, Shashank Singh came under criticism after dropping a few crucial catches in important matches. While Shashank remains a valuable batter, adding a world-class all-rounder like Stokes would improve Punjab's balance, provide another reliable fielding option, and give the team greater flexibility in both the batting and bowling departments.

Notable mentions

Rajasthan Royals (RR) could also be one of the teams to target Ben Stokes if he is allowed to enter the IPL 2027 auction. Stokes has previously represented the franchise and enjoyed success in Jaipur. His experience and familiarity with the team setup make him a strong option if Rajasthan look to strengthen their squad.

The Royals already have one of the most exciting opening pairs in Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. However, the team struggled with middle-order collapses during several crucial matches in the IPL 2026 season. Adding an experienced batter like Stokes could provide much-needed stability in the middle order while also giving the team another quality pace-bowling option.

Stokes has an impressive record for Rajasthan Royals, scoring more than 600 runs during his previous stint with the franchise. His ability to perform under pressure and contribute in all three departments—batting, bowling, and fielding—could make him a valuable addition if RR decide to reunite with the England all-rounder ahead of IPL 2027.