Ben Stokes Returns To BBL After 11 Years: England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes is set to make a comeback in the BBL. Stokes will be seen playing for the Adelaide Strikers in BBL|16. The Strikers beat out other teams to secure his signing. Stokes had also received offers from the Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades. However, Adelaide managed to sign him. Most importantly, Stokes will be available for the entire season. He could also be part of the team for the finals.
Ben Stokes to Open the Batting
Adelaide Strikers coach Tim Paine has provided a major update regarding Stokes’ role. According to Paine, Stokes could be used as an opener. He believes that Australia’s fast and bouncy pitches suit Stokes’ game. Matt Short could also open alongside Stokes. The duo could prove to be very dangerous for the Strikers. In T20 cricket, Stokes has mostly batted between the No. 3 and No. 5 positions. However, he also boasts a strong record as an opener. One of his two T20 centuries was scored while opening the batting.
Stokes’ Return to the BBL
Stokes’ last BBL match took place on January 7, 2015. At that time, he played for the Melbourne Renegades. That match was against the Hobart Hurricanes. In that game, Stokes scored 77 runs off just 37 balls. He hit 8 fours and 5 sixes. Stokes was also named Player of the Match. Now, after nearly 12 years, he is set to return to the BBL.
Stokes Becomes the Most Expensive Overseas Player
Stokes’ deal with the Adelaide Strikers is a massive one. With this deal, he has become the most expensive overseas player in the BBL. There was significant competition among the clubs to sign Stokes. The Strikers pushed aggressively to sign him. Stokes has also been associated with big deals in the IPL. Chennai Super Kings signed him for ₹16.25 crore in IPL 2023. Now, a significant amount has been spent on Stokes for the BBL as well.
The Strikers expect him to contribute with the ball in addition to his batting. Paine believes that Stokes can make an impact on the team with his bowling too. He will also contribute in the field. With Stokes’s arrival, all eyes will be on the Adelaide Strikers in BBL|16.
Adelaide Strikers Squad BBL 16 (2026-2027)
Contracted: Alex Carey, Mackenzie Harvey, Thomas Kelly, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Ben Stokes, Tom Straker, Henry Thornton, Jerrssis Wadia
Uncontracted: Hassan Ali, Cameron Boyce, Jordan Buckingham, Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Harry Manenti, Harry Nielsen, Jamie Overton, Alex Ross, Tabraiz Shamsi, Luke Wood
