“It wasn’t an easy decision,” Chris Woakes said regarding his decision to forego the IPL in 2023

Chris Woakes says skipping the IPL wasn’t easy (IPL). While financially beneficial, the seam-bowling all-rounder favoured red-ball cricket with the Ashes looming.

Woakes played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2017, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2018, and Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2021. He likely found a team during the mini-auction on Friday, December 23.

The 33-year-old may have sparked a bidding frenzy for seam-bowling all-rounders.

Woakes told ESPN Cricinfo he didn’t want to decide on IPL participation based on money alone. Adding:

“It wasn’t easy. IPL is a terrific competition and might be financially profitable, but I didn’t want to make my selection based on money. After winning the World Cup, stocks may be high. The IPL is hard to turn down since the greatest players go there, it’s financially profitable, and it’s been great for my career, but I love playing for Warwickshire.

The 33-year-old hopes to make his case for the Ashes after missing the 2022 summer. Moreover,

“I haven’t played much red-ball cricket this Ashes year. I need to show people that I can play red-ball cricket and get through it, both for fitness and to try and play in the Ashes.

The right-arm seamer missed all of 2022 due to a knee ailment and will likely play for Warwickshire in the County Championship. Woakes averages 22.64 in 25 home Tests but has dismal away performances.

Chris Woakes: “Winning an Ashes series where you play a big part would be great”

Woakes said nothing beats winning the Ashes and remembers the 2-2 2019 series in England. Moreover,

“Winning an Ashes series where you play well would be rewarding. I’d like to do it. The 2019 series had some great games, but nothing beats winning the Ashes. Hopefully, England can achieve that this summer.

Steve Smith helped Australia draw the series. Since 2001, they haven’t won in England.