Stokes Joins Adelaide Strikers for BBL 16
Stokes joins Adelaide Strikers after retiring from international cricket, marking his return to BBL after 12 years.
The update
Former England captain Ben Stokes has signed with the Adelaide Strikers for the 2026-27 Big Bash League season. The 35-year-old all-rounder, who retired from international cricket in June, will make his return to the BBL after a 12-year absence, having last played in the 2014-15 season for the Melbourne Renegades.
Why it matters
Stokes’ move to the Big Bash League marks his first appearance in the franchise tournament since 2014-15. The signing follows his retirement from international cricket during the third Test against New Zealand in June, where he had captained England in 122 Tests, 114 ODIs, and 43 T20 internationals.
What to watch
Stokes is scheduled to play for Adelaide Strikers in BBL 16, the 2026-27 season of the Australian T20 competition. He will join a squad that head coach Tim Paine described as having an “exciting group” of players. Stokes expressed enthusiasm about returning to Adelaide Oval, which he called an “incredible place to play cricket.”
Sources
- BBC — providing details about Stokes' international career and retirement
- skysports.com — confirming Stokes' signing with Adelaide Strikers