Jonny Bairstow set to extend his time at Yorkshire as skipper resists the temptation to become T20 specialist.
IPL beckons as Jonny Bairstow extends time at Yorkshire’s helm.
In a new three-year deal, Jonny Bairstow will continue to represent Yorkshire in the County Championship, although he may have to miss the first two months of the upcoming season in order to play in the IPL.
Bairstow has dedicated his long-term career to his boyhood club, and his two-year key deal only ended at the end of the 2025 season, more than a year after his most recent England match. After being named captain this year, he will continue to guide Yorkshire in the Championship despite the temptation to become a T20 specialist at the age of 36.
However, if Bairstow is chosen in the IPL auction, he might miss the first round of games next year. After scoring 47 and 38 in his two games as a late replacement this year, he is not eligible for retention by the Mumbai Indians due to league restrictions. However, he intends to participate in the 2026 auction, which is anticipated to take place next month.
Yorkshire made it to the Metro Bank Cup semifinals with a youthful team, but they ended second-bottom of the North Group in the T20 Blast and ninth in Division One of the Championship last year.
Gavin Hamilton, their director of cricket, said he was “absolutely delighted” that Bairstow had committed to a long-term contract. “Jonny remains one of the best batters in the English game, capable of changing a game single-handedly, and we are very lucky to have him in our side,” he said.
“I’m delighted to have signed a contract extension and am looking forward to playing my part in what is a hugely exciting period for Yorkshire,” Bairstow said. “Having come through the age-groups and spent all of my career here, it was the only real choice for me, and I’ll continue to wear the White Rose with pride over the next three years.
“Leading the side in the Championship this year was a real honour, and I can’t wait to get back out there in 2026. The performances we put in, particularly in the second half of the campaign, were very encouraging and I am confident that we have got a group of players that can challenge the very best teams over the next few years.”