Ben Stokes becomes most expensive player in Big Bash history as England icon signs extremely lucrative new deal

BEN STOKES has become the most expensive player in Big Bash history after signing a deal with Adelaide Strikers worth £265,000. Strikers have beaten off opposition from Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades to sign the former England captain. Ben Stokes has signed for Big Bash’s Adelaide Strikers Credit: Getty The former England captain will head Down Under for the six-week tournament Credit: Alamy Stokes – who quit international cricket in June – is available for the Strikers for the whole six-week Big Bash campaign in December and January. He is cashing in under new rules confirmed last week that allow Big Bash teams greater freedom over how they spend their money. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! The previous maximum salary for Big Bash players under the old draft system was £220,000. Stokes, 35, said: “I’m really excited to be joining the Adelaide Strikers for BBL16. “I’ve always enjoyed playing in Australia and, when the opportunity came 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.” Most read in Cricket BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Stokes will return to Australia just a year after the 4-1 Ashes defeat last winter that he says was a major factor in his decision to stop playing for England. Since quitting during the Third Test against New Zealand, Stokes has been playing county cricket for Durham. Stokes has not played any short-form cricket since the Hundred in 2024, when he tore his hamstring. He was due to play for MI Cape Town in the SA20 in early 2025 but was forced to withdraw because of another hamstring injury. He played for Renegades for one season in the Big Bash in 2015 and has played for three teams in the Indian Premier League. Strikers are coached by Tim Paine, who was Australian captain when Stokes played his famous, match-winning innings of 135 not out at Headingley in 2019. Paine said: “Ben is one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen, a proven match-winner and a competitor who thrives under pressure. “We’re thrilled to have a player of his ability join our squad and can’t wait to see him put on a show in BBL16.” Comment now