Ben Stokes set to rake in around £2m for playing in Indian Premier League as England career remains in limbo

BEN STOKES has moved closer to a £2million bonanza in next year’s Indian Premier League – even if he doesn’t appear in the Ashes.

Stokes is due to play white ball cricket for Canterbury in New Zealand in the coming weeks and could make his debut in a 50-over match this weekend.

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He was cleared to play when the ECB issued a non-objection certificate last Friday allowing him to appear in domestic cricket overseas.

It shows bosses at Lord’s are not averse to Stokes playing in the IPL. He was paid £1.7million by Rising Pune Supergiant and could attract even more at the auction in February 2018.

The event takes place in April and May after England’s tour of New Zealand.

Stokes remains in limbo and, despite being free to play for Canterbury while visiting his family in the earthquake-ravaged city of Christchurch, he remains banned by England.

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The ECB are still waiting for Avon and Somerset Police to decide whether to charge Stokes, who was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm following a street fight on September 25.

Once the police announce their verdict, the ECB will hold a board meeting within 48 hours and their disciplinary committee will then meet to decide what punishment, if any, to enforce.

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Stokes might also have to undergo an anger management course before being considered by England.

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Tim Paine has rubbished claims by Joe Root that Australia sledged Jonny Bairstow over his headbutt only because they were on top in the First Test.

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Paine said: “Not many of the boys were aware of it until day four. I know England have been saying we only brought it up because we were on top, which is rubbish.

“It just came up one morning and a few of the boys jumped on it as an opportunity to unsettle Bairstow and it seemed to work.”