Former England Test captain Ben Stokes is reportedly close to joining the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming 2026/27 Big Bash League season. The star all-rounder has emerged as the frontrunner to join the South Australian franchise after several rival teams changed their overseas recruitment plans.
The Adelaide Strikers will look to bounce back after a disappointing campaign last season, when they finished at the bottom of the points table. With the new BBL season set to begin later this year, the franchise is targeting experienced international players to win their first title since the 2017/18 season.
Adelaide Strikers Emerge as Frontrunners to Sign Ben Stokes
According to Code Sports, the Adelaide Strikers have emerged as the favourites to sign Ben Stokes for the 2026/27 BBL season. The former England captain is now close to joining the South Australian franchise after the Sydney Sixers turned their attention to other overseas players.
The Sixers were previously among the teams interested in Stokes. However, they are now closing in on New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert and England all-rounder Chris Jordan. The change in plans has left the Strikers in a strong position to sign Stokes.
Jamie Overton is also linked with a move from the Strikers to the Melbourne Stars, which could further clear the way for Stokes to join Adelaide. Journalist Daniel Cherney reported on X:
“This is now very close to being a done deal. Would be a major surprise if Ben Stokes isn’t playing for the Adelaide Strikers this season.”
This is now very close to being a done deal. Would be a major surprise if Ben Stokes isn't playing for the Adelaide Strikers this season. https://t.co/blj53zTzn8
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) August 31, 2026
Ben Stokes Considers BBL Return After International Retirement
Ben Stokes retired from Test cricket in late June, which has opened up more space in his calendar for franchise cricket. He last played in the BBL for the Melbourne Renegades more than a decade ago.
The all-rounder has to decide whether he wants to spend Christmas in England with his family or play in the BBL. Stokes was an obvious target for several BBL franchises after his international retirement.
However, players are currently unable to sign BBL contracts because Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association are still discussing changes to the league's list rules.
Stokes is also unlikely to return to the Indian Premier League soon. Under the current BCCI rules, he cannot enter the IPL auction until 2028 after missing the 2025 mega auction. He also did not register for the latest season of The Hundred.
Ben Stokes’ T20 Career
Stokes has built a strong T20 career through match-winning performances in pressure situations. His most memorable T20 performance came in the 2022 T20 World Cup final, when he scored an unbeaten 52 off 49 balls to guide England to victory over Pakistan and lift the trophy.
Stokes also won the Most Valuable Player award while representing Rising Pune Supergiant in the 2017 IPL. He scored 316 runs and took 12 wickets, including a spectacular unbeaten 103 against Gujarat Lions.
In the 2016 T20 World Cup final, Carlos Brathwaite hit him for four consecutive sixes in the final over to seal the title for the West Indies. Stokes later responded on the biggest stage, playing key roles in England’s 2022 World Cup triumph.
