NEW DELHI: In a bold statement reflecting his commitment to England, the newly appointed white-ball captain Harry Brook has declared his intention to prioritize his national team duties over participation in overseas franchise leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), from which he has been banned for the next two seasons.
Brook, who recently withdrew from the IPL, emphasized the importance of managing his workload as a regular member of England’s Test, one-day, and T20I sides. ‘England is the way forward for me and franchise cricket can almost take a step back for a little while,’ Brook told the BBC, underscoring his dedication to the national team.
Despite the financial allure of franchise cricket, Brook’s passion for representing England remains undiminished. ‘I enjoy playing cricket for England more than anything else, so to lose a little bit of money here and there – I’d take that any day to play for England,’ he added. Brook also acknowledged the need for occasional breaks to maintain his performance levels, stating, ‘There might be a couple of opportunities to have a little break here and there.’
England’s upcoming schedule is packed with significant series, including a Test series against India and the prestigious Ashes in Australia, alongside various white-ball commitments. Brook expressed his desire to participate in every England series but recognized the importance of rest. ‘I’d like to play every game but if I require a week off and that’s the best thing going forward for my game, then I’m sure I’ll be allowed a week off,’ he explained.
Brook’s ban from the IPL stems from his last-minute withdrawal from the 2025 edition of the tournament. Despite this setback, his focus remains on achieving success with England, particularly in the Ashes, which he described as ‘the pinnacle of cricket’ for him.
While Brook has stepped back from franchise cricket, he is expected to represent the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, indicating his continued involvement in domestic competitions. His decision to prioritize England over lucrative franchise opportunities highlights a refreshing commitment to national duty in the modern cricketing landscape.