Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has signed a deal with Australian T20 Big Bash team Adelaide Strikers in a move that could see him earn nearly £3m on the lucrative franchise circuit.
Stokes, who retired from international cricket in June, has not played franchise cricket since the 2024 Hundred but has signed Down Under to play in Australia’s showpiece short-form tournament on a month-long deal reported to be worth around £250,000.
If he chooses to, the 35-year-old could then spend next year galavanting through the world’s top cricketing markets, stopping off in India, the UK, the United States and the Caribbean within 12 months and earning nearly £3m.
His previous Indian Premier League contract, with the Chennai Super Kings in 2023, was worth £1.6m and he could expect to earn a similar sum in 2027.
The Brit could then play for his home team Durham in the Vitality Blast, with the county able to fork out £150,000 for his services now that he is not on an England international contract.
Between that and a stint in The Hundred, where this year England’s top players fetched wages of £400,000, he could play in the United States’ Major League Cricket, where as an overseas player he is able to command £275,000.
Stokes in the money
Finally the Caribbean Premier League – which is the last major franchise tournament of the cricket season – would allow him to top up to the tune of an additional £100,000.
In all, then, a Ben Stokes heavily invested into the franchise circuit could net him close to £3m in one 12-month period.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Adelaide Strikers for BBL 16,” he said.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing in Australia, and when the opportunity came up 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.”