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 has been ruled out due to injury. The announcement was made on March 28, coinciding with the opening match of the season against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Payne, a left-arm pacer, brings a wealth of experience to SRH, having established himself as Gloucestershire’s highest white-ball wicket-taker with an impressive tally 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.
With a record of 304 T20 wickets in 233 matches at an average of 21.16, Payne’s addition to the squad is seen as a strategic move to bolster the team’s bowling lineup. He is set to join SRH for a fee of Rs 1.5 crore, a significant investment for a player who has also made one ODI appearance for England.
Jack Edwards, who was initially signed for Rs 3 crore, faced an unfortunate setback that has opened the door for Payne. This change comes at a crucial time as the IPL season runs from March 28 to May 31, with SRH eager to start strong against their rivals, RCB.
Payne’s journey in cricket began in 2010, when he first burst onto the scene with a notable performance in a 40-over game against Essex. Since then, he has consistently been among the wickets in various global T20 leagues, including the ILT20 and BBL.
His economy rate in T20 cricket stands at 8.03, and he has achieved five four-wicket hauls and one five-for in 20-over matches. As SRH prepares for their opening match, the team is optimistic about Payne’s ability to deliver under pressure.
The cricket community is abuzz with reactions to this signing, as fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Payne will adapt to the IPL environment. His previous performances suggest he is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on David Payne to see if he can replicate his domestic success on the grand stage of the IPL. The anticipation is palpable as the tournament kicks off, and SRH hopes to capitalize on this new addition to their roster.
