David Payne has been signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad as a replacement for Jack Edwards for IPL 2026. This move comes as the tournament kicks off today.
In a significant development for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, David Payne has been signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as a replacement for Jack Edwards, who was ruled out due to injury. This announcement was made on March 28, coinciding with the opening match of the season against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Payne, a left-arm pacer, has made a name for himself as Gloucestershire’s highest white-ball wicket-taker, boasting an impressive total of 323 wickets. His recent performance in the 2025/26 Big Bash League, where he took three wickets in the final and was named player of the match, showcases his potential to make an immediate impact in the IPL.
With an economy rate of 8.03 in T20 cricket and 304 wickets taken across 233 matches, Payne’s track record indicates he can be a valuable asset for SRH. He joins the team for a fee of Rs 1.5 crore, a notable investment considering Edwards was initially signed for Rs 3 crore.
Payne’s experience includes one ODI appearance for England, where he took one wicket for 38 runs against the Netherlands in June 2022. His ability to perform under pressure has been evident in various global T20 leagues, including the ILT20 and BBL.
The IPL 2026 season runs from March 28 to May 31, with SRH set to play their first match today against RCB, marking the 28th encounter between the two teams. This match will be crucial for both teams as they aim to start the season on a strong note.
David Payne first burst onto the scene in 2010 with a notable performance in a 40-over game against Essex, and since then, he has steadily built a reputation as a reliable bowler. His five four-wicket hauls and one five-for in T20 cricket further emphasize his capability to change the course of a match.
As the IPL unfolds, the cricketing community will be watching closely to see how Payne integrates into the SRH lineup and whether he can fill the void left by Edwards effectively. Initial reactions from fans and analysts suggest optimism regarding Payne’s potential contributions to the team.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact impact of this signing on SRH’s overall strategy for the season, but the excitement surrounding Payne’s arrival is palpable.
