The deal could make him the most expensive player in BBL history. England all-rounder Ben Stokes is set to make a return to the Big Bash League (BBL), with the former England captain signing for Adelaide Strikers for the 2026-27 season.
He is also the first overseas player to sign under the competition’s newly confirmed contracting structure, which has returned the BBL to a direct-signing model. Stokes attracted interest from several BBL clubs before Adelaide Strikers secured his services on a one-year deal. Stokes also expressed his excitement about playing at Adelaide Oval and joining the Strikers squad, saying he was looking forward to contributing to a successful season and creating special memories with the team. Stokes has scored both of his T20 centuries in the IPL, but one of his most memorable performances in the format came in Australia.
In 2023, Chennai Super Kings acquired him for INR 16.25 crore, although he played only two matches due to a knee problem. Stokes will be available for the entire 2026-27 BBL season, joining Adelaide Strikers in a major overseas signing for the franchise. The franchise is coached by former Australia captain Tim Paine, who was leading the Australian Test team when Stokes produced his famous Headingley performance in 2019. Stokes has previously featured for three IPL teams, most recently Chennai Super Kings in 2023. He was the most expensive overseas player in the IPL in 2017 when Rising Pune Supergiants bought him for INR 14.5 crore. During the 2022 T20 World Cup final, Stokes scored an unbeaten 52 against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket round to help England win the title. The 2026-27 BBL season is scheduled to begin on December 12, with Melbourne Renegades taking on Perth Scorchers in Chennai. The regular season will conclude on January 17, followed by the finals from January 19 to January 26.
