Harry Brook Prioritizes England Captaincy Over IPL Commitments:

Harry Brook, England's newly-named white-ball captain, has announced that franchise cricket will take a backseat as he focuses on his leadership responsibilities. The decision comes after Brook withdrew from the IPL 2025 season, despite being acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 6.25 crore. This marks his second consecutive IPL withdrawal, potentially triggering penalties under the league's new participation rules.

Franchise Cricket on Hold

Brook stated that he was fully aware of the consequences of skipping IPL commitments. “That’s the rules, so if I do get banned, fair play,” he acknowledged in his first press interaction since taking on the captaincy. “I’m completely committed to playing cricket for England. If that means franchise [cricket] takes a step back for a little while, so be it.”

Brook’s calendar has become increasingly demanding due to his participation in all formats for England. With major tournaments like the Ashes in Australia and a T20 World Cup in India in 2026, Brook emphasized the importance of managing his workload strategically.

Leadership Philosophy and Outlook

Brook shared insights into his approach as captain, aiming to foster a positive team environment. “I’m going to be myself, as much as I possibly can be—be relaxed, be calm, try to have a lot of fun and enjoy it,” he said. Reflecting on the privilege of leading England, he added, “You’re doing a job a hell of a lot of people would want to be doing.”

Player Selection: Stokes and Bairstow Still in the Picture

Brook confirmed that Ben Stokes remains an option for white-ball cricket despite his selective availability. “He’s one of the best players in the world and we’d be stupid to turn a blind eye to him,” he remarked.

Regarding Jonny Bairstow, Brook remained optimistic. “He can put the best bowlers in the world under pressure and score big runs. There’s no reason why he can’t get selected again.”