England and Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Ben Stokes, who is one of the most mercurial players in the world, may miss the first half of the upcoming IPL 2020, which begins in the UAE from September 19 onwards.

Stokes missed the Test series against Pakistan and is not a part of the ongoing series against Australia, as well, as he traveled to New Zealand to be with his ailing father Ged, who has been diagnosed with brain cancer.

"As per quarantine rules in New Zealand, Ben has just completed his 14-day isolation period after reaching New Zealand. Now he will be meeting his father and obviously he would like to spend some quiet time with his family in this time of crisis," a source privy to developments in the franchise told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Ben Stokes speaks after arrival in New Zealand to attend seriously ill father

Ben Stokes, was the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament in IPL 2017 and was bought by Rajasthan Royals IPL 2018 auction for a whopping Rs 12.50 crores.

"It is only logical that if he has just completed his quarantine, he would not be available for the first part of the IPL and that is completely understandable. The franchise will not even call Ben as this is not a priority at the moment. Let him spend quality family time and any discussions on his availability can happen only after that," the source added.

It is understood that the franchise will "wait" for Stokes to get back to the management and only if the cricketer confirms his availability for the second half, it will take things forward.

(PTI inputs)