Former England skipper Ben Stokes has officially signed with the Adelaide Strikers for the full 2026-27 Big Bash League (BBL) season in a blockbuster deal.

The deal is estimated to be around AU$500,000, potentially making him the most expensive player in the competition's history.

Stokes is the first overseas player signed under the BBL's newly reinstated direct-signing model. This will be his second stint in the league, following a 4-game appearance for the Melbourne Renegades in 2014-15.

The Strikers, coach by former Australian Test captain Tim Paine, pipped other interested franchises like Sydney Sixers to secure the services of the ace all-rounder.

"I'm really excited to be joining the Adelaide Strikers for BBL|16," Stokes said in a statement. "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."

Paine said: "Ben is one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen, a proven match-winner and a competitor who thrives under pressure. We're thrilled to have a player of his ability join our squad and can't wait to see him put on a show in BBL|16."

The BBL stint will bring Stokes back to the Australian shores, where he led the English team 4-1 Ashes loss last year. While the 35-year-old eventually retired from international cricket following the home series against New Zealand in June, it was the Ashes debacle that had taken its toll.

The 2026-27 BBL season is slated to kick off with a historic opening match on December 12 between the Melbourne Renegades and the Perth Scorchers at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India.