Harry Brook has been named the new captain of England’s white-ball cricket teams, taking over from Jos Buttler following the team’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy.
The 26-year-old Yorkshire batter will now lead both the ODI and T20 squads, ending speculation that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) might split the captaincy across formats. Brook has previously played 44 T20s and 26 ODIs and briefly captained during an ODI series against Australia.
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ECB managing director Rob Key announced the appointment, stating that Brook has been a key part of their leadership plans and is ready for the challenge. He praised Brook’s cricketing intelligence and vision, saying the move came slightly earlier than expected.
Brook’s first full-time assignment as captain will be a home limited-overs series against the West Indies starting 29 May. His schedule includes a busy white-ball calendar leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
He opted out of the 2025 IPL to manage his workload after a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign. The ECB’s decision also allows Test captain Ben Stokes to focus solely on red-ball cricket.
Calling the role a “lifelong dream,” Brook expressed excitement about leading the national side and working with a talented group of players.
England’s white-ball struggles since their 2022 T20 World Cup win, including poor World Cup campaigns in 2023 and 2024, led to the sacking of head coach Matthew Mott and increased pressure on Buttler, who eventually stepped down.
