Former England cricket captain Ben Stokes has signed with the Adelaide Strikers for the 2026-27 season of the T20 Big Bash League (BBL), a popular domestic cricket competition in Australia. Stokes, 35, retired from international cricket in June after England's 2-1 home series loss to New Zealand. His international career spanned 122 Tests, 114 one-day internationals, and 43 T20 matches, during which he became known for his all-round abilities as a batsman and bowler. He was a key player in England's historic 2019 World Cup victory, scoring 84 runs in the final against New Zealand. Stokes expressed excitement about joining the Adelaide Strikers for BBL 16, the 16th season of the league. "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." He praised Adelaide Oval, the venue where the Strikers play their home matches, calling it an "incredible place to play cricket." Stokes also highlighted the competitiveness of the Big Bash and the talent of the team, expressing his eagerness to contribute to a successful season. This will be Stokes' second stint in the BBL, having previously played for the Melbourne Renegades in 2015. He will be available for the entire BBL 16 campaign, which kicks off in December. Adelaide Strikers' head coach, Tim Paine, praised Stokes' abilities, calling him "one of the greatest all-rounders the game has seen" and a "proven match-winner" who excels under pressure. Paine expressed enthusiasm about Stokes joining the squad and looking forward to his performances in the upcoming season. The Adelaide Strikers will begin their BBL 16 campaign on 16 December with a match against the Sydney Thunder. Fans are eagerly anticipating Stokes' return to the T20 format, hoping he will bring the same level of intensity and skill that made him a standout player in international cricket. His presence is expected to elevate the team's performance and provide thrilling moments for fans throughout the season.