Former England skipper Ben Stokes could become the highest-paid player in the history of the Big Bash League, with Steve Smith’s franchise Sydney Sixers leading the race to sign the legendary all-rounder for the 2026-27 season. The team has shown interest in his services since the 35-year-old announced his retirement from international cricket, allowing him to play franchise cricket worldwide.

According to reports in Code Sports, Cricket Australia will come up with a new marquee-player model that would allow franchises to sign big international stars directly instead of targeting them in the overseas draft. 

The shared marquee fund would be made available to the teams, and the contracts are expected to be around $600,000, making Stokes the most expensive player in the BBL. Apart from the Sixers, Hobart Hurricanes have also shown interest in Stokes.

Finn Allen to get pay rise 

New Zealand batter Finn Allen, who set the stage on fire in the last season of the competition, is expected to get a record-breaking deal. In the BBL 15, he scored 466 runs at a strike-rate of 184.18 as his franchise Perth  Scorchers won the men’s BBL title for the sixth time.

He scripted a new sixes record in a single season of the tournament, justifying his reputation as one of the power-hitters. 

Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Stars are trying to lure him away from the defending champions. 

Stokes is still contributing with the bat and ball and has been among the top performers in England’s domestic One-Day Cup. He is still one of the best game-changers, and his presence in Australia will attract fans’ attention. His form and popularity will take the competition level in the BBL to new heights. 

Stokes last featured in the league in the 2014-15 season for the  Melbourne Renegades, making his only appearance in one of the leading T20I leagues in the world, amassing 128 runs and picking up three wickets.