Ben Stokes lined up for 'record-breaking' T20 deal after England retirement

Ben Stokes is being lined up for a potential record-breaking deal to take part in Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) this winter, it has been reported.

Stokes called time on his England career in June, with his final international match being the third Test defeat to New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

Since then, he has been playing for his county side Durham in the One Day Cup.

He scored 108 not out to guide Durham to a five-wicket win over Derbyshire in their opening group stage match, before hitting 73 not out off just 51 deliveries in a comfortable 72-run win over Sussex.

The 35-year-old has played in all five of Durham's matches in the competition and is set to feature across the conclusion of their County Championship campaign.

Following his England retirement announcement, Stokes stated that he planned to continue playing for Durham whilst exploring franchise opportunities around the world.

He largely avoided playing in T20 competitions during his time as England Test captain, and even declined to enter the auction for this year's Hundred competition.

But according to Australian outlet Code Sports, officials are now 'increasingly optimistic' that Stokes will play in the 16th edition of the BBL, Australia's T20 franchise competition.

Two BBL clubs chase Stokes deal

It is reported that last season's runners-up Sydney Sixers, who are coached by former England white-ball head coach Matthew Mott, are leading the race to sign Stokes as an overseas player.

There is also interest from Hobart Hurricanes, who have Stokes' former international team-mate Chris Jordan on their books.

BBL clubs cannot currently sign players due to talks between the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) and Cricket Australia over potential alterations to league rules but that is expected to change soon. CA are already planning an expanded pay model to its top stars.

It is claimed that Stokes could be offered a record-breaking contract to play in the BBL, though it is dependent on how much of the competition he chooses to commit to.

Perth Scorchers are said to be contemplating a $600,000 offer to retain hard-hitting New Zealand opener Finn Allen, who is a T20 specialist and scored a league-high 466 runs for the Scorchers last season.

Stokes is no stranger to the BBL, having played as an overseas player for the Melbourne Renegades during the 2014/15 season.

Stokes played four matches as an injury replacement for the Melbourne Renegades in BBL04 (Image: Getty)

It arguably ended up being an important stint in terms of his international future, as he had struggled for form with the bat across all formats for England in 2014 and was dropped from their squad ahead of the 2015 World Cup.

He had spent much of his white-ball career for England batting down the order, but the Stars pushed him up to number three and he smashed 77 off 37 balls on debut.

Stokes was then selected for an England Lions ODI tour of South Africa the following month, and he scored 151 off just 86 deliveries in the fourth match of the series.

The all-rounder earned a recall to England's white-ball squads that summer and went on to become a key player across all formats.