Ben Stokes has signed with the Adelaide Strikers for the 2026-27 Big Bash League season, marking a new chapter after his shock retirement from international cricket in June. The former England captain, one of the game's most celebrated all-rounders, retired mid-series during a 2-1 home Test defeat to New Zealand, and his move into franchise T20 cricket in Australia signals he intends to continue playing at a high level despite stepping away from national duty.

Stokes, 35, played 122 Tests, 114 ODIs and 43 T20s for England, and was central to the country's dramatic 2019 World Cup triumph, scoring 84 in the final. He previously had a short spell with Melbourne Renegades in 2015, but will now be available for the Strikers' entire BBL 16 campaign, which begins on 16 December against Sydney Thunder. Strikers head coach Tim Paine welcomed the signing, calling Stokes a proven match-winner, while Stokes said he was looking forward to playing at Adelaide Oval and contributing to a successful season.