England could be dealt with a massive blow heading into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 as Ben Stokes is likely to miss the showpiece tournament, with head coach Chris Silverwood insisting that the ace all-rounder's personal well-being remains the top priority.

Notably, Stokes had taken an indefinite break from cricket in July to prioritize his mental well-being and he won’t turn up for Rajasthan Royals as well when the IPL 2021, which was postponed in May due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resumes from September 19.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set September 10 as the deadline for the participating nations to submit their final squad and it looks highly unlikely that Stokes will make the list of 15. England are planning to name three standby players and he may not even be named on that list.

"We are going to leave that one late, to give it our best chance," said Silverwood. "Whatever support Ben needs he will get from us.

"I haven't spoken to him just as yet because I want to give him as much space as possible, but there are people talking to him outside of me and it is something we will be revisiting shortly.

"But I will not be putting pressure on him, will not be rushing him and whatever support he needs he will get. First and foremost my only concern is for him and making sure he's OK."

England will also miss the services of speedster Jofra Archer, who has been ruled out of all cricket for the rest of the year following a recurrence of a stress fracture in his right elbow. Sussex pacer Tymal Mills is likely to take his spot in the squad.

The T20 World Cup is due to be held in UAE and Oman from October 17 to November 14.

(With AFP inputs)