As soon as England’s Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket, the T20 franchise teams had their eyes set on the all-rounder. Stokes had given up on franchise cricket to prolong his Test career which came to an abrupt end during the Test series against New Zealand where he was ruled out due of second Test due to a nightclub incident. A few months later, he may become the most expensive signing in the history of the Big Bash League (BBL).
As per a report by Code Sports may be signed for $600,000 which will make him most expensive player in the league's history. Sydney Sixers are the frontrunners to get Stokes' services. Hobart Hurricanes want to acquire his services as well.
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But Sixers may be able to convince Stokes considering they have recently appointed England's former white-ball coach Matthew Mott. In T20 World Cup 2022 when Jos Buttler-led England lifted the trophy on Australian soil, Mott was their head coach.
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When did Stokes make his BBL debut?
If the deal is finalised, Stokes will return to BBL after more than a decade. In 2014/15 season, he had a short stint with Melbourne Renegades. The all-rounder scored 128 runs at a strike rate of 156.09. Under Aaron Finch. he scored a 37-ball 77 against George Bailey's Hobart Hurricanes in their 37-run win.
How Stokes has performed since international retirement?
Stokes is currently playing in England’s domestic One-Day Cup for Durham. From four innings, he scored 193 runs at an average of 96.50. He has a ton and a fifty already. He is also Durham's second-highest run-scorer in the ongoing competition. With the ball, he has managed just two wickets so far.
T20 franchise cricket Stokes can play this season
Stokes had not registered for the Hundred and was ineligible to play after announcing retirement. He was not part of the drafts for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) either. Also, he is currently ineligible to register for the Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction as he did not put his name for the mega auction. He has three options in the next few months. He can play in BBL, ILT20 or the SA20. There is scheduling conflict as well. It will be interesting to see which league Stokes chooses to play.
Meanwhile, he will be seen in action next on August 7 against Middlesex at Gosforth's Roseworth Terrace.