Ben Stokes is set to spend his first winter after retiring from international cricket with the Adelaide Strikers, after signing a lucrative deal with the Big Bash League side.
The former England captain bowed out of Test cricket at the end of the series against New Zealand in June after four years as skipper.
The 35-year-old all-rounder has played on for Durham in the County Championship and Metro Bank One-Day Cup and has now reached agreement to join the Strikers for the 2026/27 BBL campaign.
Stokes previously featured in Australia’s flagship T20 tournament for the Melbourne Renegades in the 2024/25 campaign, and is pleased to have sealed a return.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Adelaide Strikers for BBL16,” Stokes said. “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.”
Reports in Australia suggest that Stokes’ deal could be worth in the region of AU$500,000 (£264,000). A number of BBL clubs were said to be interested in Stokes’ signing, which comes after a return to a direct-signing model for the competition.
The BBL season is due to begin on 12 December, with Stokes’ Strikers debut likely to come against David Warner and the Sydney Thunder four days later.
