Ben Stokes is reportedly leaning towards joining the Big Bash League (BBL) after his Test retirement announcement, with the Sydney Sixers emerging as favourites to secure his signature.
Stokes' availability has been boosted by Cricket Australia scrapping the overseas draft, allowing direct signings worth over $300,000 to clubs. This move has given the Sixers an edge, particularly with the recent appointment of former England white-ball coach Matthew Mott as their new BBL head coach.
Mott and Stokes have a connection dating back to their win in the T20 World Cup together in late 2022. This relationship could work in the Sixers' favour as they look to lure Stokes to the club.
Cricket Tasmania chief executive Dom Baker has also expressed interest in signing Stokes, crediting their track record of sticking with reliable overseas recruits as central to their success. Baker said, "He'd be very welcome here, what a better place to be if you want to download after a couple of years as the English cricket captain."
Stokes hasn't featured in the BBL since turning out for the Melbourne Renegades more than ten years ago. His schedule now has room for more franchise commitments, with the Sixers seen as the likeliest to land him.
Signings are technically frozen right now, with Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association still locked in negotiations over revised list rules. However, according to Code Sports, the signs are encouraging for Stokes' potential BBL return.
A coup that would lift the whole league, Stokes' signing would be one of the biggest overseas signings the tournament has seen in years. His name alone sells tickets, and having just stepped away from the pressure of Test captaincy, a stint in Australia could genuinely offer him the kind of low-stakes cricket he hasn't enjoyed in a long time.
The timing tension with England's Ashes preparations raises an awkward question about how much England actually wants their biggest match-winner spending the off-season in Australia rather than resting up. For now, though, Stokes appears to be prioritising his own recovery and enjoyment of the game, and few would begrudge him that after years of carrying England's Test side on his shoulders.
Stokes' decision will be closely watched by Australian cricket fans, with the Sydney Sixers seen as the likeliest to land him. If Stokes really does turn out for the BBL this summer, it would be one of the biggest overseas signings the tournament has seen in years, and the Sixers' connection through Mott gives them a real head start.
Source: Yahoo Sports