Harry Brook Signs Lucrative Deal with Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred

England’s white-ball captain, Harry Brook, has secured a significant contract with the newly rebranded Sunrisers Leeds as part of The Hundred cricket tournament. This announcement comes as Brook will not participate in the IPL 2026 auction, following a two-year ban imposed on him by the IPL authorities.

The Sunrisers Leeds franchise, which was formerly known as the Northern Superchargers, has been Brook’s home since he joined in 2021. He has consistently been their leading scorer and took over the captaincy in 2024. The franchise’s decision to retain Brook highlights his value, particularly as he has agreed to a deal worth approximately £470,000.

Franchise Changes and New Directions

The rebranding to Sunrisers Leeds follows a major acquisition by the Sun Group, which purchased a full stake in the franchise for £100 million (around ₹1,092 crore) in February 2024. As part of its new direction, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced changes that will see The Hundred adopting an IPL-style auction format starting in 2026. Despite this shift, teams will still be allowed to make direct signings for up to four players.

The first auction under this new format is scheduled for March 2024, which will mark a significant departure from previous operational methods in the tournament. The ECB’s decision to allow foreign investment and restructure franchise ownership reflects broader trends in cricket, aiming to enhance the commercial appeal of The Hundred.

Implications of Brook’s IPL Ban

Brook’s absence from the IPL has been a topic of considerable discussion. His last salary in the IPL was ₹6.25 crore when he played for the Delhi Capitals. He withdrew from the IPL 2025 season, which led to concerns from franchises about player commitments. Following his withdrawal, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced a new regulation stating that players who register for auctions but become unavailable after being sold will face a ban from participating in the tournament for two seasons.

This move aims to ensure that players adhere to their commitments, enhancing the integrity of the league. Brook’s situation serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of professional cricket, where contractual obligations are increasingly scrutinized.

Brook’s lucrative deal with Sunrisers Leeds places him at the forefront of The Hundred, as the tournament seeks to balance tradition with the demands of modern professional cricket. As the landscape continues to shift, all eyes will be on how Brook and the new franchise navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.