Bradford district-born cricket star to be awarded freedom of the city

Article dated Wednesday May 24, 2023 at 04:28 PM


A Bradford district-born cricket player is to be awarded the freedom of the city, after the decision was made at a meeting of the full council yesterday.

Harry Brook who was born in Keighley and grew up in Burley-in-Wharfedale plays for Yorkshire Cricket, he made his international debut for England in January 2022 and was part of the England team that won the 2022 T20 World Cup.

The Roll of Honorary Freemen of the City was created in the late nineteenth century. The first name admitted to the roll was that of Sir Henry Mitchell, a former Lord Mayor, philanthropist and mill owner in 1898. Since that time other famous Bradfordians such as JB Priestley (1973), Barbara Castle (1997) and David Hockney (2000) have been admitted to the roll.

The most recent recipients were rugby league coach Brian Noble (2006), 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2010) and Sir Ken Morrison CBE (also 2010). Harry joins other local cricket stars Adil Rashid and Jonny Bairstow who were conferred the same award in 2020.

Harry was Professional Cricketers Association Young Player of the Year for both 2021 and 2022 and the Cricket Writer’s Club Young Cricketer of the Year for 2021. He was also the International Cricket Council World Player of the Month in December 2022 and February 2023.

He was nominated for freedom of the city by Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe who said: “Harry has made an incredible impact on the senior international game in just a short space of time and promises to earn a place among Yorkshire and England’s greatest cricketers.

“He is a tremendous role model for our young people and will be probably be the youngest person to be honoured as a freeman of the District which is fitting in what is now the UK’s youngest city.”

A presentation ceremony with the new Lord Mayor Councillor Gerry Barker will be scheduled later in the year.

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