The Hundred Men’s 2026: Zak Crawley confirmed as Sunrisers Leeds captain ahead of Harry Brook

Sunrisers Leeds, formerly known as the Northern Superchargers, have confirmed Zak Crawley as their captain ahead of The Hundred Men’s 2026. The right-handed batter has been announced as the leader ahead of England’s white-ball skipper Harry Brook.

Crawley was signed by the Headingley-based franchise for GBP 180,000, making him their fifth-most expensive signing in the auction. The Kent batter will now be tasked to lead the franchise he joined last year, where he ended up as their leading run-scorer with 280 runs at an average of 40, whilst striking at 160. His outstanding form with the bat took the Northern Superchargers all the way to the Eliminator, before they were defeated by the Trent Rockets in a rain-affected game. 

This appointment captaincy decision means that Brook will now take part in The Hundred as just a player, not being burdened with leadership duties outside of international cricket. 

Crawley, who was recently dropped from England’s Test squad ahead of the international summer, will now be tasked with leading a side filled with international stars. These include the likes of Mitchell Marsh, Abrar Ahmed, Dan Lawrence, Ryan Rickelton, Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts, to name a few. 

With this announcement, Sunrisers Leeds have now named both of their captains ahead of The Hundred 2026. Along with Crawley, England Women’s all-rounder Dani Gibson will lead their Women’s side for the first time. 

It is worth mentioning that Crawley has previously experienced captaining on the big stage. He was named as the skipper for England’s three-match ODI series against Ireland in 2023, after the Ashes series. The Three Lions won the series 1-0 in the Kentishman’s only series as captain.

He also knows the Sunrisers franchise well, having previously represented the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 in South Africa. 

The Sunrisers Leeds will open The Hundred 2026 with an away game against the MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles) on July 21.