The captain carrying the title wait
Stoinis's job is to lead the Stars to their first BBL title — and to bat like the player who made 147 not out against the Sixers. He is the captain, the senior all-rounder, and the batter the side looks to when the game is on the line. He is contracted through BBL|16, and this season is his chance to finish the job.
His record says he can do it. His 147 not out against Sydney Sixers in January 2020 was the highest BBL score at the time, and it remains the second-highest ever, behind only Glenn Maxwell's 154 not out. He is a right-handed batter who hits the ball as cleanly as anyone in the league, and a right-arm medium-pace bowler who gives the captain — himself — a useful extra option. He has played white-ball cricket for Australia for a decade, won the 2021 T20 World Cup, and played in the IPL with Lucknow Super Giants.
Squad note: the Stars have announced 14 players so far, as of 31 October 2026. The full squad has not been announced — clubs can carry up to 18 players and are still adding names — so this page will be updated as the club confirms more signings.
A record innings, and a World Cup
Stoinis's BBL career has been with the Stars throughout, and his 147 not out in January 2020 is the innings that defines it: an unbeaten hundred that took the Stars to a huge total and showed what the side could do when its senior players fired. He has been the club's captain for several seasons, and his leadership has been tested by the side's repeated failures in finals.
Internationally, he has been an Australia white-ball regular since 2015, and he was part of the side that won the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE — Australia's first T20 world title. He has also been one of the most sought-after all-rounders in franchise cricket, playing in the IPL and in leagues around the world. At 37, he is the senior player in a Stars side that has added Finn Allen and the Overton twins around him.
Where he fits in the Stars
The Stars finished fourth last season, their best return in years, before losing the Knockout to Hobart Hurricanes — and the club's response was to sign Allen and the Overtons to support Stoinis and Maxwell. The captain now has a batting group that, on paper, can match anyone.
His role is to be the finisher and the leader. Allen opens, Maxwell bats in the middle, and Stoinis is the player who bats through the last five overs and wins the close games. His medium pace is also useful at the MCG, where change of pace matters more than raw speed. If the Stars are to end their 16-season wait for a first title, it will be because their captain had his best season.
The BBL Points Table will carry the standings once the season starts — the Stars finished fourth last season, their best return in years, and the table is where their title chase will be measured.
What’s next
Marcus Stoinis starts BBL|16 at the MCG on 18 December, against Adelaide Strikers — the captain and record-holder in Stars colours for the first time this season.
The full list of every BBL fixture is on the BBL Schedule, with the MCG opener against the Strikers first.
- Match 5 — vs Adelaide Strikers: Fri 18 Dec, 1:45 PM IST · Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Match 8 — vs Brisbane Heat: Mon 21 Dec, 1:45 PM IST · Junction Oval, Melbourne
- Match 13 — vs Perth Scorchers: Sat 26 Dec, 3:45 PM IST · Perth Stadium
- Melbourne derby — vs Melbourne Renegades: Sat 16 Jan · Melbourne Cricket Ground
Follow every Stars result as it happens on SialTV, with the points table updated after every match day.
Frequently asked questions
What is Marcus Stoinis's highest BBL score?
147 not out against Sydney Sixers in January 2020 — the second-highest individual score in BBL history, behind only Glenn Maxwell's 154 not out.
Has Marcus Stoinis won a World Cup?
Yes. He was part of Australia's side that won the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, Australia's first T20 world title.
When does Marcus Stoinis play his first match for Melbourne Stars?
His first match is Match 5 against Adelaide Strikers on Friday 18 December 2026, starting at 1:45 PM IST at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.