Ben Stokes insists the mega-money deals on offer haven’t been the main reason behind his Indian Premier League stints.

Stokes, from Cockermouth, last year became the IPL’s most expensive foreign player when Rising Pune Supergiant bought him for £1.7m.

This year, the 26-year-old was again signed for big money as he was bought by Rajasthan Royals for £1.37m.

But Stokes says it is the chance to play with and against the best players in the world – not the financial incentives – which motivate him.

“Last year, there was so much said about me and the money,” he said.

“I just shy away from it. I don’t want to come across as arrogant. I don’t know how to answer it. It’s just weird.

“Some people think we’re going for one reason [the cash] but, as a sportsman, that is genuinely not what it is about.

“It’s about being exposed to the best T20 players in the world in front of capacity crowds every three or four days. I don’t think people understand that or see it for what it is.

“We don’t quite get that in our T20 right now, there aren’t many international matches, but when the new competition kicks off [in 2020], maybe that will happen more.”

While with Rajasthan Royals, Stokes has struck up a relationship with legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne, the team’s mentor, while playing alongside England team-mate Jos Buttler.

In his first in-depth interview with The Guardian since his arrest in Bristol in September, Stokes also admits he “lived every moment of the Ashes.”

He said: “I’m sure it was nowhere near the emotions of the guys out there, but I was just as gutted.”

Stokes returned to the England Test team last month, although was told he would not return as vice-captain against New Zealand.

“They just said they wanted to stick with Jimmy [Anderson],” the all-rounder said.

“But regardless, I know my role and it won’t change how I go about things.

“It won’t be in the back of my mind and I won’t hold it against anyone.”