Ben Stokes' retirement decision selfless: Rob Key

England's newly appointed Test captain Ben Stokes is slated to retire from the ODI format after the ongoing game against South Africa at his home ground in Chester-le-Street, Durham. 

Stokes has said playing all the three formats is unsustainable for him now, considering the demanding schedule ahead.

Rob Key believes the decision is selfless

England's Managing Director of Cricket Rob Key has said that the decision taken by Stokes is entirely selfless, taken to ensure his future in the other two formats. Although, it might require tinkering with his current contract.

"It may well end up having financial implications to Ben Stokes in terms of his contract," Key said while speaking to Sky Sports. 

Also Read: Nasser Hussain reacts to Ben Stokes' ODI retirement

"That's why it's a selfless decision, he could easily have said 'no, no, I'm the key' and kept getting picked in the 50-over team," he added.

Stokes' retirement has come as a shock to many but Key said he is unsurprised by the decision.

"I was probably surprised at the timing but I'm not surprised that he's had to give one format away. I think it's a good decision from Ben that England will benefit from in the long term," 

The schedule needs to be looked upon believes Key 

Key also said he expects the ICC and other boards to have a relook at the schedule going ahead. 

"What it really needs is all the boards, the ICC and everyone, to come up with something that's manageable. Actually come up with something so that everyone gets what you want out of it: the players, the boards, the broadcasters so that we get something that's a bit more manageable. It's not going to be easy but that's what it needs," he concluded.