Key moments
In a significant development for the Indian Premier League (IPL), David Payne has been signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad as a replacement for Jack Edwards. This announcement was made on March 28, 2026, in Bengaluru, India, marking a pivotal moment for both the player and the franchise as they prepare for the ongoing season.
Payne, a seasoned T20 player, has an impressive record, having taken 304 wickets in 233 matches. His experience is expected to bolster the Sunrisers’ bowling attack, especially following the injury of Akash Deep, who has been ruled out of the IPL 2026 season due to a lumbar stress injury. Payne’s contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad is valued at Rs 1.5 crore, reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities.
The decision to bring in Payne comes after Jack Edwards, who was the second-highest wicket-taker in last year’s Big Bash League with 19 wickets in 13 games, was unable to continue with the team. Payne’s recent performances have been noteworthy; he played a crucial role in the Perth Scorchers’ Big Bash League title win, where he took 11 wickets in just six outings at an average of 13.5. His experience in high-pressure situations makes him a valuable addition to the Sunrisers squad.
At 35 years old, Payne has already made a name for himself in the cricketing world. He has appeared in one One Day International for England, which came in 2022 against the Netherlands. His journey through the ranks of T20 cricket has been marked by significant achievements, including man-of-the-match performances in tournament finals. This experience is likely to be instrumental as he transitions into the IPL.
Reflecting on his recent signing, Payne expressed a sense of relief and focus on the franchise world. “I’ve got out of the cycle of thinking about the call coming, if I’m honest,” he stated. He added, “It’s almost easier being in a different head space, believing that the door is closed and focusing on the franchise world, going out, enjoying things like the IPL and seeing what happens.” This mindset may serve him well as he adapts to the demands of the IPL.
Payne’s family also plays a significant role in his decision-making. He mentioned, “Being quite a lengthy tournament, it needed to be worthwhile financially from a family point of view.” As a father of two young daughters, Ferne and Autumn, Payne’s commitment to providing for his family is evident in his professional choices.
As the IPL season progresses, the Sunrisers Hyderabad will be looking to Payne to fill the void left by Edwards and contribute significantly to their campaign. Phil Weston, a representative for the franchise, hinted at the team’s intentions, stating, “I think there’s a good chance Sunrisers will be making you an offer over the weekend.” This suggests that the franchise is optimistic about Payne’s potential impact on the team.
With the IPL already underway, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how David Payne integrates into the Sunrisers Hyderabad lineup and whether he can replicate his past successes in this highly competitive league.