CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Adelaide Strikers sign star all-rounder Ben Stokes in major deal
Former England captain and star all-rounder Ben Stokes has signed with the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 2026-27 season. The deal is being regarded as one of the league’s biggest overseas player signings.
Stokes will be available to the Adelaide Strikers for the entire BBL season. According to reports, his contract is worth around 500,000 Australian dollars, which could place him among the most expensive players in the tournament.
The 35-year-old Stokes retired from international cricket in June this year. After that, he continued to play domestic cricket and is now set to return to franchise cricket. This will mark his return to the BBL, where he previously represented the Melbourne Renegades in the 2014-15 season.
Several BBL franchises were in contention to bring Stokes into their squads. Adelaide Strikers eventually won the race. Team coach and former Australia captain Tim Paine has described Stokes as one of the world’s finest all-rounders and an outstanding match-winner.
Stokes has also expressed excitement about joining the Adelaide Strikers. He has conveyed his happiness about playing in Australia, the atmosphere at Adelaide Oval and the BBL competition. His availability for the full season is being seen as a major advantage for the Strikers.
In BBL 2026-27, Adelaide Strikers will play their opening match against Sydney Thunder in Canberra on December 16, 2026. With Stokes joining the side, the team is expected to gain additional strength in both batting and bowling departments.
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