Ben Stokes has hit back at a fan on Twitter after being criticised for continuing his preparations for the Indian Premier League (IPL), even though the already delayed start date of the competition is likely to be pushed back further.

Mike Wass told Stokes to “get a grip”, “forget the money and the limelight” and “think for everyone”, seemingly accusing Stokes of suggesting the tournament should still go ahead despite India having just begun a three-week lockdown in an effort to combat the spread of Covid-19. The period of enforced social distancing is due to end on April 14, with the IPL currently set to start on April 15.

Stokes responded by telling Wass to “read articles not headlines”, with a screengrab of the article in question providing further context.

“I have to get my head round that I am playing even though in the back of my mind I know I am probably not,” Stokes told BBC Radio 5 Live. “I have to build up and get myself physically in a position that if it does happen I am good to go.

“I cannot take three weeks off and expect the body to be ready for 20 April because it doesn’t work like that. It might happen and if it does I don’t want to be behind.”

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