Ben Stokes joins Adelaide Strikers in Big Bash League 16 for big money

Ben Stokes is set for a return to the Big Bash League, with the former England Test captain joining the Adelaide Strikers for the 2026-27 season in a deal that could make him the most expensive player in the tournament’s history.

Stokes has committed to the Strikers for the entire BBL campaign, becoming the first overseas signing since the competition introduced its revamped contract system. The new model has moved the league back to direct negotiations between franchises and international players, giving teams more flexibility in how they spend their budgets.

That freedom helped pave the way for Stokes’ lucrative move. According to 7News, the England all-rounder’s contract is worth around A$500,000 (approximately US$360,000), surpassing the previous top-class platinum salary of A$420,000 available under the draft system.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Adelaide Strikers for BBL|16,” Stokes said.

“I’ve always loved playing in Australia and when the opportunity came to join the Strikers I couldn’t pass it up.

“Adelaide Oval is an incredible place to play cricket, the Big Bash is a fantastic competition and the Strikers have an exciting group, so I’m looking forward to meeting the players, getting stuck in and contributing to a successful season.

“I can’t wait to get started, make some special memories with the group and give the Strikers fans a lot of joy.”

Several BBL franchises reportedly wanted to sign Stokesbut Adelaide eventually won the race for his services. The Strikers team is coached by former Australian Test captain Tim Paine.

The move will see Stokes return to Australia for the first time since the 2025-26 Ashes series, which marked the beginning of the end of his international career. England suffered a 4–1 series defeat, with Stokes later calling it quits after the New Zealand series in June. He also served a one-Test suspension following an incident outside a nightclub after the Lord’s Test.

Stokes is no stranger to the BBL, although his previous spell came over a decade ago. He appeared in four matches for the Melbourne Renegades during the 2014–15 season, marking his second BBL series representing the Strikers.

His return to competition will begin on December 16 when Adelaide take on the Sydney Thunder in Canberra. Stokes will also face David Warner in this match. He will then make his Adelaide Oval debut on December 23 when the Strikers host the Thunder.

The move also marks Stokes’ return to T20 cricket after a long absence. His last appearance in the format came during the 2024 Hundred where he suffered a hamstring injury. He was subsequently expected to play for MI Cape Town in the 2025 SA20, but missed the tournament after suffering another hamstring problem during England’s series against New Zealand.

Stokes has also featured for three IPL franchises during his career, with his last appearance in the competition coming for Chennai Super Kings in 2023.

– The end

Published on:

01 Sep 2026 16:07 IST