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Ben Stokes returns to Big Bash League after 11 years
Published : Wednesday, 2 September, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
England all-rounder Ben Stokes is set to return to Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) after more than a decade, with the Adelaide Strikers signing the former England captain for the 2026-27 season.
Stokes could become the most expensive player in Big Bash League history, with reports suggesting his contract is worth around A$500,000 (US$360,000). The figure is significantly higher than the previous top draft salary of A$420,000 for a Platinum-level player.
The 35-year-old will be available for the entire BBL season and is the first overseas player to sign with a club since the competition introduced its new direct-contract system. The revised structure gives BBL clubs greater freedom to invest in players outside the traditional draft system.
Several clubs were reportedly interested in signing Stokes, but the Adelaide Strikers eventually secured him on a one-year deal on Tuesday.
The move also reunites Stokes with former Australia captain Tim Paine, who is now the Strikers’ coach. Paine was Australia’s captain during Stokes’ unforgettable match-winning innings at Headingley in the 2019 Ashes.
Stokes said he was thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Australia and join the Strikers.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing in Australia, and when the opportunity came to join the Strikers, I couldn’t pass it up,” Stokes said. “Adelaide Oval is an incredible place to play cricket, the Big Bash is a fantastic competition and the Strikers have a great squad.
“I can’t wait to get started, meet the players, get fully involved with the team and hopefully contribute to a successful season. I’m looking forward to creating some special memories with the team and giving the Strikers fans plenty to cheer about.”
Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket in June, during the third and final Test of England’s home series against New Zealand, which England lost 2-1.
His return to the BBL will mark only his second season in the competition. He previously played four matches for the Melbourne Renegades during the 2014-15 season.
Stokes is scheduled to make his Strikers debut on December 16, when Adelaide face the Sydney Thunder in Canberra. Former Australia opener David Warner is expected to feature for the Thunder.
The England all-rounder has not played a T20 match since the 2024 edition of The Hundred, where he suffered a hamstring injury. He was also due to play for MI Cape Town in South Africa’s SA20 in early 2025 but was ruled out after suffering another hamstring injury against New Zealand.
Stokes has represented three teams in the Indian Premier League, most recently playing for Chennai Super Kings in 2023. Both of his T20 centuries have come in the IPL.
However, one of his most memorable moments in T20 cricket came in Australia. In the 2022 T20 World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Stokes scored an unbeaten 52 against Pakistan to help England lift the title.
-HIS
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
