In a significant development for IPL 2026, David Payne has been signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as a replacement for Jack Edwards, who has been ruled out due to injury. The announcement was made on March 28, coinciding with the tournament’s opening day.
Payne, a left-arm pacer, is known for his impressive record as Gloucestershire’s highest white-ball wicket-taker, boasting 323 wickets. His recent form has been notable, particularly in the 2025/26 Big Bash League, where he took three wickets in the final and was named player of the match.
With an economy rate of 8.03 in T20 cricket, Payne has established himself as a reliable bowler, having taken 304 wickets in 233 matches at an average of 21.16. His ability to perform under pressure was evident in the Big Bash League, where he also recorded five four-wicket hauls and one five-for.
Payne’s signing comes at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore, a significant investment for SRH, especially considering that Edwards was initially signed for Rs 3 crore. This move reflects SRH’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the league.
The IPL 2026 season runs from March 28 to May 31, with SRH set to face off against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their opening match. This will mark the 28th encounter between the two teams, adding to the excitement of the season.
David Payne’s journey in professional cricket began in 2010, when he first made headlines with a standout performance in a 40-over game against Essex. Since then, he has continued to develop his skills and has made a name for himself in various global T20 leagues, including the ILT20 and BBL.
As the cricketing community awaits the start of the IPL season, reactions to Payne’s signing have been largely positive, with many expressing confidence in his ability to fill the void left by Edwards. His experience and recent performances suggest he could be a valuable asset for SRH.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how Payne will integrate into the team dynamics, but his track record indicates he is more than capable of stepping up in high-stakes matches. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will perform in the upcoming season.
