Stokes Sets New BBL Record with £265,000 Deal

Ben Stokes has set a new record in the Big Bash League (BBL) by becoming its most expensive player ever bought at auction. The England all-rounder, who retired from international cricket recently, will be playing for the Adelaide Strikers this season for £265,000, which is approximately ₹3.9 crore and equivalent to 500,000 Australian dollars. This amount surpasses the previous highest bid of £220,000 under the draft system.

Ben Stokes expressed his excitement at joining the Adelaide Strikers, stating that he has always enjoyed playing in Australia and did not want to miss this opportunity. He is eager to play for the team in the 16th season of the BBL.

This deal also breaks the record held by Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam, who was signed by the Sydney Sixers for 420,000 Australian dollars. Stokes' return to the BBL after nearly 12 years is significant, as he previously represented the Melbourne Renegades during the 2014-15 season.