Here's why Ben Stokes retired from international cricket: Details 
29 Jun 2026

England talisman Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from all international cricket.

The decision comes after a four-year tenure as the team's Test captain, during which he led England to 27 wins in 62 Tests.

Stokes said he loved every moment of his captaincy but admitted that the role had taken its toll on him.

He realized after last winter's 1-4 Ashes defeat that he didn't "have any more fight left in him."

'It drains you'
Captaincy impact

Stokes, who has been England's Test captain since 2022, said he loved every moment of his four-and-a-half-year journey.

However, he also acknowledged that the role comes with its own set of challenges.

"Only people close to those people [captains] can really see it ... it does drain you, it does affect you in a negative way," he said after Day 4 of the ongoing third and final England-New Zealand Test.

Despite these struggles, Stokes maintained that being captain was the greatest honor one could have as a player.

'No more fight left in me'
Emotional toll

Stokes admitted that the emotional toll of his role had been hard to bear.

"The way I said it to my wife was I don't actually think I have any more fight left in me to get over this," he said.

Despite his retirement from all international cricket, Stokes isn't done with the game yet. He hopes to continue playing other formats and is looking forward to what lies ahead in his career.

Stokes addresses players in the dressing room
Statement

Stokes informed the England squad about his decision before the start of play on Sunday (June 28).

Stokes said: "The reasons can wait, why, but I've had many trips to the well before for this team, for you blokes, for people beforehand and I've got one more trip to do."

"The only thing that I ask, please, is can everyone do the same."