Ben Stokes said an emotional goodbye to his family in New Zealand as he prepares for an imminent return to cricket with the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.
The England all-rounder has been in Christchurch for the last month on compassionate leave as his father Ged battles brain cancer.
But Stokes is now set to return to action as he leaves New Zealand for the United Arab Emirates and the ongoing IPL tournament.
England star Ben Stokes (left) has been in New Zealand in recent weeks as his father Ged (centre) recovers from brain cancer treatment
Stokes posted this Instagram picture with mum Deborah (left), father Ged (second right) and brother James (right) as he prepared to head to the IPL
This was followed by a selfie of Stokes on the plane to the United Arab Emirates
He posted a series of Instagram pictures, including one with his parents Ged and Deborah, with the message 'Goodbyes never get easier.