Former England captain Ben Stokes and New Zealand batter Finn Allen are likely to become the most expensive signings in the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL).
According to Australian media, a bidding war could erupt over Stokes and Allen, with the former expected to feature in Australia’s domestic T20 league at the end of this year.
As per reports, Sydney Sixers are leading the race to secure Stokes’ services. Besides the Sixers, Hobart Hurricanes have also expressed interest after Cricket Tasmania chief Dom Baker voiced his desire to bring the former England captain into the team.
Stokes is also considered to join the Sixers because of former England coach Matthew Mott, who was recently appointed as the Sixers’ new coach. Mott coached the England side that won the T20 World Cup in 2022.
Ben Stokes last featured in the BBL during the 2014-15 season for the Melbourne Renegades. The all-rounder recently retired from international cricket, leaving his calendar free.
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The only uncertainty surrounding his participation is the lucrative South Africa’s (SA20), which is scheduled to begin in January. Despite this, Australian cricket officials remain confident of attracting Stokes for at least part of the tournament.
For those unaware, teams are currently unable to sign players as Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association discussions over proposed changes to the league’s rules. One of the proposals under discussion is to scrap the BBL overseas player draft.
If approved, the change would allow Stokes and other overseas stars to sign directly with teams on deals reportedly worth more than AUD 300,000.
The teams are also expected to have a marquee player pool of around AUD 1.375 million to sign four ace players, with at least one overseas player and one Australian required.
The proposed changes are aimed at allowing Australia’s top players to earn more in their domestic competition and helping the BBL compete with leagues such as SA20 and the UAE’s ILT20.
The move could also trigger bidding wars among the franchises.
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