Ben Stokes Big Bash deal could open path to nearly £3m in franchise earnings
Key Takeaways
- •Ben Stokes has signed with the Adelaide Strikers for BBL 16 on a deal reported to be worth around £250,000.
- •He has not played franchise cricket since the 2024 Hundred and retired from international cricket in June.
- •Without an England central contract, he can now be available for more domestic and overseas competitions that previously conflicted with England duties.
- •The article says a full franchise schedule across several markets could take his earnings close to £3m in 12 months.
- •Stokes said he is looking forward to joining the Strikers and playing at Adelaide Oval.
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 franchise circuit.
Stokes, who retired from international cricket in June, has not played franchise cricket since the 2024 Hundred. He has now signed in Australia to play in the country’s flagship short-form tournament on a month-long deal reported to be worth around £250,000.
The move is notable because, without an England central contract, Stokes can now be available for a wider range of domestic and overseas competitions that would previously have clashed with international commitments. If he chooses to do so, the 35-year-old could then spend next year moving through the world’s major cricket markets, with possible stops in India, the UK, the United States and the Caribbean within 12 months. On that basis, he could earn close to £3m.
His previous Indian Premier League contract, with Chennai Super Kings in 2023, was worth £1.6m, and he could be in line for a similar amount in 2027.
Stokes could also play for his home county Durham in the Vitality Blast, with the county now able to pay £150,000 for his services because he is no longer on an England international contract.
Alongside that, and a stint in The Hundred, where England’s top players were paid £400,000 this year, he could also play in Major League Cricket in the United States, where he is able to command £275,000 as an overseas player.
Stokes in the money
The Caribbean Premier League, the last major franchise tournament of the cricket season, would add a further £100,000.
Taken together, a Ben Stokes heavily committed to the franchise circuit could net close to £3m in a single 12-month period, highlighting how a player of his profile can now move between leading competitions as schedules and eligibility allow.
“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.”
