&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Ben Stokes joins Adelaide Strikers in record AUD $500k BBL deal")
Former England captain Ben Stokes has signed up for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL), the franchise announced on Tuesday (Sep 1). Available to play franchise cricket worldwide following his shock international retirement in June, Stokes picked Australia’s BBL as his first step towards a new journey. The talismanic English all-rounder has also become the first overseas player to join since the new contracting system was confirmed last week, which allows teams to make direct signings.
In Stokes’ case, local media reports that his deal is in the region of AU$500,000 (US$360,000 approx.) – significantly higher than the previous highest band at the platinum level of the draft which was AU$420,000. More overseas signings in the coming weeks could fetch huge numbers.
Several BBL clubs were interested in signing Stokes, but it was the Strikers, coached by former Australian Test captain Tim Paine, who secured his services for one year.
"I'm really excited to be joining the Adelaide Strikers for BBL|16," Stokes said in a statement. "I've always enjoyed playing in Australia, and when the opportunity came up to join the Strikers it was one I couldn't pass 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, create some special memories with the group and give Strikers fans plenty to cheer about,” he continued.
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On Stokes’ signing, Paine said, “Ben is one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen, a proven match-winner and a competitor who thrives under pressure. We're thrilled to have a player of his ability join our squad and can't wait to see him put on a show in BBL|16.”
Touchdown Australia
Meanwhile, Stokes will return to Australia for the first time since leading England in an away Ashes in late 2025. The visitors suffered an embarrassing 3-1 series loss Down Under, having last won an Ashes on Australian soil in 2011/12.
The left-handed batter will also make only his second appearance in the BBL, since last representing Melbourne Renegades for a four-game stint in 2014.
While Stokes' first game for the Strikers will be against Sydney Thunder, which would include David Warner, on December 16 in Canberra, his first home match will be against Thunder in the return fixture at the Adelaide Oval on December 23.
