Ben Stokes is all set to return to the Big Bash League after joining Adelaide Strikers for the 2026-27 season. The former England Test captain has agreed to play the full BBL campaign and could become the highest-paid player in the history of the competition.
Stokes is the first overseas player to sign with a BBL franchise since the league introduced its new contracting model. Under the revised system, franchises can negotiate directly with international players, replacing the earlier draft-based process and giving teams more freedom to manage their spending.
The new structure has opened the door for Stokes’ big-money move to Adelaide. His contract is reportedly worth around AUD 500,000, or approximately USD 360,000. That amount is higher than the previous top Platinum salary of AUD 420,000 under the draft system.
Stokes said the opportunity to play in Australia again was one he could not turn down. He has previously spoken positively about playing in the country and is now looking forward to representing the Strikers at Adelaide Oval. He also praised the quality of the Big Bash and expressed his excitement about joining the squad and contributing to a successful season.
The 2026-27 BBL season will mark Stokes’ first return to Australia since the 2025-26 Ashes. England lost the five-Test series 4-1, and Stokes subsequently ended his Test career following the series against New Zealand in June. He had also missed one Test due to a suspension after an incident outside a nightclub following the Lord’s Test.
Although Stokes has been away from the BBL for several years, this will not be his first appearance in the tournament. He previously played four games for Melbourne Renegades during the 2014-15 season. His move to Adelaide means the Strikers will become his second BBL team.
Stokes will begin his campaign on December 16 when Adelaide Strikers face Sydney Thunder in Canberra. The game will also bring him up against former Australia opener David Warner. His first appearance at Adelaide Oval for the Strikers will come on December 23, when Sydney Thunder visit Adelaide.
The signing also represents Stokes’ return to T20 cricket after a significant gap. His last appearance in the format came in the 2024 Hundred, where he picked up a hamstring injury. He was later due to feature for MI Cape Town in the 2025 SA20 but was ruled out after suffering another hamstring issue during England’s series against New Zealand.
Stokes has previously represented three IPL franchises, with his most recent appearance coming for Chennai Super Kings in 2023. After stepping away from Test cricket, the England all-rounder will now look to make his mark again in T20 cricket with Adelaide Strikers.
