Home
England's white-ball captain Harry Brook has taken a U-turn on his stance on the Indian Premier League (IPL). After prioritising England cricket over overseas T20 franchise competitions, Brook has admitted that players improve after their IPL stints. Currently banned from playing in the IPL, he intends to return to the T20 franchise league in the future.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Yeah, definitely. The IPL is a great competition, and it's a great experience, and you go over there, you leave a better player. It's a very good competition to be a part of, and it's something that I'll definitely think about in the future,” Brook told ESPNCricinfo ahead of Sunrisers Leed's Eliminator clash against Manchester Super Giants in The Hundred Men's Competition 2026.
Brook made his IPL debut in 2023. He was roped in by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for Rs 13.25 crore. Barring the century against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he struggled. From 11 innings, he managed to score 190 runs at an average of 21.11 and strike rate of 123.37.
He was released by SRH and Delhi Capitals (DC) picked him for the 2024 edition of the IPL. DC spent Rs 4 crore to get his services but the youngster pulled out following the passing of his grandmother. It did not lead to any concerns. He registered for the IPL 2025 mega auction and DC roped him in for Rs 6.25 crore. This time, he pulled out of the tournament citing his commitment to English cricket. It led to him facing a three-year ban from the IPL.
“I've committed completely to England cricket. I've said that I don't want to play any franchise cricket barring the Hundred, and everything that I want to do is to play cricket for England,” Brook had said before the T20I series against India.
“Hence the reason I don't play in the IPL and PSL and all the other franchise competitions.”
When will Brook be eligible to play in the IPL?
Despite the three-year ban, Brook’s IPL career is far from over. He won’t be able to put his name for the mini-auction for IPL 2027. However, he can registered for the IPL 2028 mega auction. While Brook is a big name in international cricket, IPL franchises may need further assurances from him before they bid for him at the auction table.
Will Brook, Duckett regain IPL franchises’ trust after betrayal?
Earlier, DC had expressed their disappointment over Brook’s withdrawal hampering with their plans. Not just Brook, but England opener Ben Duckett had ditched DC as well to play County Cricket and save his Test career after the infamous Ashes tour where the Noosa trip was a highlight instead of his stay at the crease.
Brook’s T20 numbers in 2026
In 2026, Brook has been in good form, scoring 726 runs from 23 innings at an average of 38.21 and strike rate of 182.87. He has a century and four fifties during this period. Also, he led England to a 4-0 series win against India. For a brief period, England also became the no.1 ranked T20I side.
ADVERTISEMENT
