Ben Stokes Joins Adelaide Strikers for BBL|16

Adelaide has landed a headline act. Ben Stokes, the former England all‑rounder and long-time Ashes tormentor of Australia, will turn out for the Adelaide Strikers in the 2026‑27 Big Bash League season.

The Strikers confirmed the signing on Tuesday, securing one of the modern game’s defining cricketers for BBL|16 in a deal that instantly changes the profile of the competition.

Stokes, who retired from international cricket in June, is set to become one of the highest‑paid players in Big Bash history. Australian outlet 7News reported that the 35‑year‑old will earn around A$500,000 (£264,000) for the season, a figure that underlines both his enduring star power and the Strikers’ ambition.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Adelaide Strikers for BBL|16,” Stokes said in a statement. “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.”

For years, Australian crowds watched Stokes rip games away from their national side. Now, those same fans at Adelaide Oval will be roaring him on in blue.

The move also throws up a fascinating partnership in the dugout. Stokes will play under former Australia captain Tim Paine, now head coach of the Strikers, in a twist few would have predicted during the height of their Ashes battles.

“Ben is one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen, a proven match-winner and a competitor who thrives under pressure,” Paine said. “We’re thrilled to have a player of his ability join our squad and can’t wait to see him put on a show.”

For the Strikers, this is a statement signing. For the Big Bash, it is a reminder that, even in the crowded global T20 calendar, it can still lure the game’s biggest box-office names to Australian summer nights.