As rain interrupted proceedings on Day 1 of the fifth and final Test between India and England, a strong message came from ECB chair Richard Thompson. The official lauded the commitment of England players, highlighting batter Harry Brook’s decision to pull out of IPL 2025 despite the financial cost. Brook had been bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹6.2 crore in the IPL mega auction, but the 26-year-old withdrew just days before the start of the tournament to prioritise playing for England. That decision has led to a two-season IPL auction ban for the right-hander. “Look at Harry Brook, who we hadn’t even had a conversation with about taking on the white ball captaincy, and he knows by not playing in this year’s IPL he is then banned for the next two years,” said Thompson. “That decision cost him several million dollars, and it wasn’t even a thought that he wouldn’t do that.” Thompson reflected on a broader question being asked across the cricketing world: “Is this when players start to prioritise franchise cricket over playing for their country?” The current predicament can also be seen in the way certain teams have seen players retire early from the National team setups to focus on franchise cricket and other T20 leagues. But in his view, the answer from within the England setup is clear. “It could not be further from the reality of the dressing room that Baz (Brendon McCullum) has created there with Rob (Key) and a brilliant captain in Ben (Stokes). It has transformed the sense of everyone wanting to be part of that dressing room,” Thompson said. “And as part of that decision to make Baz both white-ball coach as well as red-ball coach, he has created that golden thread. So the desire for any English cricketer to play for England, I don’t think has ever been greater.” Under head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, England have looked united and competitive, even as they battle a spirited Indian side in the ongoing series.
Poll
Should players prioritize national duty over franchise leagues like IPL?
As tensions flared and arguments broke out between the two sides, the hosts have looked like a solid unit, standing their ground and backing their players over the four Tests that have concluded.