Sunrisers Leeds to pay Harry Brook ₹5.26 crore: Details here
What's the story
England white-ball captain Harry Brook will not be a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction. However, he is set to receive a lucrative contract from Sunrisers Leeds, formerly known as Northern Superchargers, in The Hundred. The franchise signed Brook in 2021, and he has been their top scorer ever since. He also took over as their captain in 2024. Notably, Brook is currently serving a two-year ban in the IPL.
Contract details
Sunrisers Leeds's big deal with Brook
Just last month, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a name change for the franchise. This came after Sun Group, the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Eastern Cape owners, bought a 100% stake in February for £100 million (around ₹1,092 crore). Now, as direct signings and retentions for The Hundred's 2026 edition begin, Sunrisers Leeds has agreed to a deal worth around £470,000 with Brook.
Auction rules
IPL-style auction and Brook's contract withdrawal
The ECB's decision to sell franchises and allow foreign investment has led to The Hundred adopting an IPL-style auction from 2026. However, direct signings will still be permitted up to four players. The first auction is scheduled for March this year. Meanwhile, Brook's last IPL salary was ₹6.25 crore with Delhi Capitals, but he withdrew from the IPL 2025 season, violating his contract.
Ban details
New rule following Brook's IPL exit
Following Brook's withdrawal, franchises had requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take strict action against players pulling out of the IPL without valid reasons. In response, BCCI introduced a new rule stating that a player who registers for an auction but becomes unavailable after being sold will be banned from appearing in the tournament and player auction for two seasons.