Banned from IPL, Harry Brook says, 'franchise cricket can almost take a step back'

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Apr 10, 2025, 17:56 IST

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Harry Brook, England's new white-ball captain, commits to national duties. He prioritizes playing for England over franchise cricket for now. Brook aims to participate in all England series. He acknowledges the need for occasional breaks. Brook expresses his desire to win the Ashes. He will likely play in The Hundred.

Banned from IPL, Harry Brook says, 'franchise cricket can almost take a step back'

Harry Brook (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: The newly appointed white-ball captain of the England cricket team Harry Brook has expressed his commitment to prioritising his national team duties over participation in overseas franchise leagues for the time being.
The batter, who recently withdrew from the Indian Premier League (IPL), acknowledged 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.
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While Brook aims to participate in every England series, he recognised the need for occasional breaks to maintain his performance levels.
"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. "There might be a couple of opportunities to have a little break here and there."
England's upcoming schedule includes a Test series against India and the Ashes in Australia, as well as white-ball series against other opponents.
"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," explained Brook.

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Brook, who has recently been banned from the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the next two seasons following his last-minute withdrawal from the 2025 edition of the event, expressed a preference for winning the Ashes.
"The Ashes is the pinnacle of cricket for me still," he concluded.
Despite his reluctance to play in franchise cricket, the 26-year-old will likely represent Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.

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