COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — England’s white-ball cricket captain Harry Brook has publicly acknowledged what he describes as a “terrible mistake” following a physical altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand, an incident that nearly cost him his leadership position ahead of the current Sri Lanka tour.
The confrontation occurred on October 31 in Wellington, just before the final ODI match against New Zealand, when Brook was reportedly denied entry to an establishment. The England and Wales Cricket Board responded by imposing a substantial £30,000 (approximately $40,300) fine and issuing a final conduct warning. Despite the disciplinary action, the board opted to retain Brook as both white-ball captain and test vice-captain following Australia’s 4-1 Ashes victory.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday before England’s six-match white-ball series opener in Sri Lanka, Brook expressed deep remorse: “I made a terrible mistake, not only as a player but as a captain. My actions were profoundly unprofessional. As a leader, I should be setting the standard for professional conduct rather than placing myself in compromising situations.”
The cricketer extended apologies to teammates and supporters, recognizing particularly those “who travel far and wide and spend considerable money to watch us play.” He clarified that while the team had initially gone out for drinks together, he had “taken it upon myself to go out for a few more alone.”
When questioned about potentially resigning his captaincy, Brook revealed the thought never crossed his mind, though he would have accepted dismissal: “I left that decision to the hierarchy. Had they sacked me as captain, I’d have been perfectly fine with it so long as I could continue playing for England.” He conceded feeling “probably slightly” fortunate to retain his leadership role.
As England prepares for three ODIs and three T20 matches in Sri Lanka—critical preparation for the T20 World Cup commencing February 7 in India and Sri Lanka—Brook recognizes the work ahead to rebuild trust: “I’ve apologized to the players and acknowledge I have work to do to regain their full confidence.”