New England white-ball captain Harry Brook confirms he will avoid overseas leagues to manage workload and focus on national success
England’s newly appointed white-ball captain Harry Brook has ruled out playing in overseas franchise tournaments “for the near future” as he focuses on leading the national side through a demanding calendar.
Brook, 26, was unveiled this week as the successor to Jos Buttler, who stepped down following England’s winless exit from the Champions Trophy. With England enduring a torrid white-ball year—losing 10 of their last 11 matches—Brook’s appointment signals a change of direction and renewed emphasis on national commitment.
In a candid conversation with the BBC at Headingley, Brook made it clear that wearing the England shirt takes priority over lucrative T20 contracts abroad. “England is the way forward for me,” he said. “Franchise cricket can almost take a step back for a little while. I enjoy playing cricket for England more than anything else, so to lose a bit of money here and there—I’d take that any day.”
Brook recently withdrew from the Indian Premier League, a decision that under new IPL rules may see him barred from entering the competition for two years. Yet the Yorkshireman appears unfazed, reaffirming his desire to be available for England across all formats, even while managing a heavy workload.
He conceded some rest may be necessary: “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.”
England face a punishing schedule in 2025. After a home Test series against India this summer, they host the West Indies in June for white-ball matches. Tours to South Africa and Ireland follow in September, before a trip to New Zealand in November. The Ashes in Australia span December and January, quickly followed by a white-ball series in Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup across India and Sri Lanka in February.
Despite the intensity, Brook has his eyes on cricket’s biggest prizes. Asked whether he would prefer T20 World Cup glory or Ashes triumph, his answer was clear: “The Ashes is the pinnacle of cricket for me still.”
While Brook is stepping back from global franchise events, he plans to remain involved with The Hundred, playing for the Northern Superchargers.
As captain, Brook inherits a squad low on confidence. Once double world champions, England have spiralled into mediocrity. Buttler’s departure leaves a leadership vacuum that Brook hopes to fill with fresh energy and aggressive intent—echoing the style of Test coach Brendon McCullum.
“I want us to go out there and be very competitive, very aggressive and be 100% committed,” Brook explained. “Batters should be putting pressure on bowlers from their best ball to their worst, and bowlers must have clear plans and the skills to execute them.”
He confirmed that Jos Buttler will remain part of the squad and highlighted Joe Root and Ben Stokes as important figures. Brook is yet to name a vice-captain but said he’s looking for someone who “leads from the front” and plays consistently.
The West Indies series starting 29 May will be Brook’s first major test. With national pride at stake and a fanbase growing restless, he faces the immediate challenge of reviving England’s white-ball fortunes and proving that country still comes before cash
