In-form Cumbrian Ben Stokes enjoyed an “amazing experience” in the Indian Premier League – but insists he has no regrets about missing the showpiece finale.

The England all-rounder, from Cockermouth, was named the IPL’s most valuable player after an outstanding debut season for Rising Pune Supergiant after his record £1.7million deal.

But he was unable to help his Pune team-mates in Sunday’s narrow final defeat to Mumbai Indians, having joined up with an England training camp in Andalucia.

Ex-England skipper Kevin Pietersen, commentating at the IPL, was disappointed the one-time Cockermouth Cricket Club player didn’t stay until the end of this season’s tournament. But Stokes stood his ground.

“There was a lot of stuff around, saying I should have been able to play but it was agreed from the start that was as long as I was going to stay, regardless of what happened,” the Cumbrian said.

“I still managed to play 14 games in the group stages. It was an amazing experience but I wasn’t too disappointed that I wasn’t out there playing.

“Playing for England is always the main priority in decisions like that, it was made very clear at the start of the tournament. The team and management of Pune were always aware of that, so I can’t really add too much.”

Stokes took 12 wickets and scored 316 runs – including a stunning 103 not out against Gujarat Lions – during his IPL stint.

His most valuable player gong was merely confirmation of his status as one of the hottest properties on the global circuit.

It marks him out as the man to watch with England looking to win the ICC Champions Trophy on home soil next month.

“You don’t play for awards like that, you go to try and perform,” Stokes said.

“I’m just glad I came away with a great experience and I feel my game got a lot better, having worked with some of the best players in the world and specialist coaches in that form of the game.

“I don’t play for awards like that but I was just glad I was able to perform for the team.”

Stokes, who missed the curtain-raising internationals against Ireland, is back on England duty tomorrow for the opening match of three One-Day Internationals against South Africa.

“It’s always exciting to play in front of a home crowd and it’s a massive series against South Africa,” he added.

“They’re a very strong side and the Champions Trophy is the eight best in the world.

"Any team can beat anyone, so we’re looking at it as a good run-in to the tournament and some good competitive cricket.”