Following an impressive showing in the Cricket World Cup 2023, where he amassed 131 runs in eight innings and claimed 10 wickets in as many outings, and an equally successful stint in the ILT20 2024 with the Sharjah Warriors, the sudden withdrawal of English bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes from the Indian Premier League 2024 left many perplexed.
There were rumours surrounding his choice that suggested he might have taken it as a self-preservation measure against injuries in preparation for the next T20 World Cup in 2024, or it could have been just a much-needed break from the emotionally taxing and demanding cricket season.
But the real reason for his absence became public when he addressed the issue in an Instagram story. The 35-year-old, who was left off of the 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, revealed that his father, Roger Woakes, passed away early this past month. He conveyed how deeply saddened he was, lamenting with his close relatives, designating this time as a time of extreme grief for him and his family.
Established in the Warwickshire team since 2006, Chris Woakes has represented them in 99 First Class matches. In those 99 games, he has claimed 364 wickets in 172 innings, including 14 five-wicket and three 10-wicket hauls in games. Five years before he became well-known on the English cricket scene, he made his debut against the West Indies A team.
But he committed to playing cricket for England again when he thought it would be best for his family and himself. He thought about how proud his father had been of his county membership.
Woakes was looking forward to playing for Warwickshire again soon and was grateful for his privacy during these difficult times for himself and his family
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