Ben Stokes faces England clearance row over possible overseas franchise deals - kaiyun

• Former England captain wants to go abroad next summer

• All-rounder also has complications over IPL availability

Ben Stokes is on course for another clash with the England and Wales Cricket Board because the governing body is unlikely to grant him permission to play in overseas franchise competitions next summer.

The former England captain is understood to have had discussions with franchises in the United States’ Major League Cricket (MLC) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) about joining them next season, but the Guardian has learned that the ECB is reluctant to provide the No-Objection Certificate required to play in either competition while he remains registered with Durham.