Ben Stokes signs record Big Bash deal with Adelaide Strikers

Former England skipper Ben Stokes could become the most expensive player in Big Bash League history after signing with Adelaide Strikers in a major coup for the competition.

Former England skipper Ben Stokes could become the most expensive player in Big Bash League history after signing with Adelaide Strikers in a major coup for the competition.

Ben Stokes will play the Big Bash League for the first time in over a decade having signed a record breaking deal with the Adelaide Strikers. The former England captain was in negotiations with a number of franchises before deciding to join the Adelaide franchise for the upcoming season. As per 7 News, Ben Stokes is available for the entire season. He will earn a massive A$500,000 (₹3.39 Crore). It is the most expensive contract in BBL history, surpassing the A$420,000 (₹2.8 crore) paid to Babar Azam. Stoked.The Adelaide Strikers are thrilled to announce the signing of one of cricket's greatest all-rounders, Ben Stokes, ahead of BBL|16.Details → https://t.co/a18wsyxP5y pic.twitter.com/SozHIsrdTw— Adelaide Strikers (@StrikersBBL) September 1, 2026 Ben Stokes returns to BBL after 12 yearsBen Stokes last played in the Big Bash League back in the 2014/15 season. He has since won two World Cups, led England in Test cricket and retired from all international cricket. He is currently featuring for Durham in domestic cricket and is expected to feature for the full tournament. Stokes was in negotiations with the Melbourne Renegades and the Sydney Sixers, before settling on the Strikers. WATCH: Injured Batter Limps To Crease, Smashes Match-Winning Six Off Final Ball In KCL ThrillerMost expensive in BBL, still a fraction of IPLWhile Stokes might be the biggest monetary acquisition of BBL history, it only highlights the gulf between the payouts in the IPL and other T20 leagues. His deal with the Strikers for the current season is a sizeable amount but doesn't even amount to 25% of the salary he drew from his last auction sale in the IPL. Stokes last played in the IPL in 2023, when he was bought by the Chennai Super Kings for a whopping ₹16.25 crore. The England all-rounder however could only feature in a couple of games before injury ruled him out of the season. He then turned focus on his Test career with captaincy and has not played in the IPL since.