Challenges in the Life of Ben Stokes in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Ben Stokes faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Ben Stokes is an English international cricketer, currently the captain of the England Test team. He is recognized as one of England's greatest all-rounders, playing in all three formats of the game. Domestically, he represents Durham and has participated in various Twenty20 leagues globally. A key member of the England squad, Stokes contributed significantly to their victories in the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Challenges & Struggles

September 2017: Arrested After Street Brawl

In September 2017, Ben Stokes was arrested following a street brawl near a nightclub in Bristol, after the third ODI against the West Indies. Teammate Alex Hales was also present. The brawl resulted in injuries to two men. Stokes later missed games and the Ashes series due to the incident, and lost his sponsorship with New Balance.

January 2018: Charged with Affray

On January 15, 2018, Ben Stokes was charged with affray along with two other men following the street brawl incident in Bristol.

February 2018: Appeared Before Bristol Magistrates' Court

On February 13, 2018, Ben Stokes appeared before Bristol Magistrates' Court in connection with the affray charge.

September 2018: Charged with Bringing Game into Disrepute

In September 2018, Ben Stokes was charged with bringing the game into disrepute by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over the Bristol incident and social media posts.

December 2018: Fined and Banned by ECB

In December 2018, Ben Stokes pleaded guilty to the charges of bringing the game into disrepute and was fined £30,000 and banned for eight matches by the ECB, a ban he had already served.

December 2020: Death of Father, Ged Stokes

In December 2020, Ben Stokes' father, Ged Stokes, passed away due to brain cancer, contributing to Ben's mental health struggles.

June 2021: Took Indefinite Break from Cricket

In June 2021, Ben Stokes announced an indefinite break from cricket to focus on his 'mental wellbeing'.

July 2022: Retirement from ODI Cricket

On July 18, 2022, Ben Stokes announced his retirement from ODI cricket after the first match against South Africa, citing the physical and mental demands of playing all three formats.

August 2022: Still speaking to therapist, and taking anti-anxiety medication

As of August 2022, Ben Stokes stated that he was still speaking to his therapist and continuing to take anti-anxiety medication to manage his mental health.

December 2024: Torn Left Hamstring

In December 2024, Ben Stokes suffered a torn left hamstring during the third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton, leading to a period of absence from cricket.