1 day ago
Ben Stokes Joins Adelaide Strikers in Record BBL Deal
Ben Stokes is a famous English cricket player.
He has agreed to play for the Adelaide Strikers in Australia’s Big Bash League.
This will happen during the 2026–27 season, also called BBL|16.
Reports say his one-year contract is worth about A$500,000.
That would make him the highest-paid player in BBL history.
The reported amount is more than the A$420,000 paid to Babar Azam.
Stokes last played in the BBL in the 2014–15 season.
He is expected to play in the whole tournament.
He said he is excited to play at Adelaide Oval and help the Strikers.
Ben Stokes will play for Adelaide Strikers in the 2026–27 Big Bash League season, known as BBL|16.
His reported one-year contract is worth about A$500,000, making it the BBL’s most expensive deal.
The reported value surpasses Babar Azam’s A$420,000 contract, the previous highest figure cited.
Stokes is expected to be available for the entire tournament under the league’s new direct-signing system.
The former England captain last played in the BBL for Melbourne Renegades during the 2014–15 season.
- Who
- Ben Stokes and the Adelaide Strikers, coached by former Australia Test captain Tim Paine.
- What
- Stokes has signed a one-year deal to play for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.
- Where
- Australia’s Big Bash League, including matches at Adelaide Oval.
- When
- The 2026–27 season, also called BBL|16; the announcement was reported on September 1.
- Why
- Stokes said he was attracted by the competition, Adelaide Oval and the Strikers’ squad, and wanted to contribute to a successful season.
Key facts
- Team
- Adelaide Strikers
- Competition
- Big Bash League
- Season
- 2026–27, or BBL|16
- Contract
- One year, with Stokes expected to be available for the full tournament
- Reported value
- About A$500,000; Indian reports give figures of approximately ₹3.30–₹3.39 crore, while another report lists £264,000
- Previous BBL record
- Babar Azam was reported to have received A$420,000
- Last BBL appearance
- Stokes played for Melbourne Renegades during the 2014–15 season
- Contracting system
- Stokes is the first overseas signing under the BBL’s newly confirmed direct-contracting system
Quotes
Ben Stokes
Former England captain and Adelaide Strikers signing
“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.”
wionews.com
indianexpress.com
“Ben is one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen, a proven match-winner and a competitor who thrives under pressure.”
wionews.com
Sources
Ben Stokes joins Adelaide Strikers in record AUD $500k BBL deal
Ben Stokes joins BBL team Adelaide Strikers
Ben Stokes Surpasses Babar Azam To Become Most Expensive Player In BBL History, Signs ₹3.30 Crore Deal With Adelaide Strikers
Ben Stokes Returns To BBL After 12 Years, Joins Adelaide Strikers In Big-Money Move
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