Yorkshire cricketer Harry Brook awarded Freedom of Bradford

Yorkshire cricketer Harry Brook is to be awarded the freedom of the city of Bradford, joining the ranks of writer JB Priestley and artist David Hockney.

The 24-year-old, who was born in Keighley and grew up in Burley-in Wharfedale, was part of the England team that won the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Brook plays cricket for Yorkshire and made his international debut for England in January last year.

Bradford Council made the decision at a meeting on Wednesday.

Leader Susan Hinchcliffe, who nominated him for the award, 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."

Harry Brook's meteoric rise in the last two years has been nothing short of phenomenal.

It's been widely-known within the Yorkshire ranks for many years the county had a promising star on its hands - but not many predicted his quick-fire progression that's seen him become a mainstay in the England Test side, a T20 World Cup winner and one of the most expensive players in cricket's biggest franchise competition, the Indian Premier League.

In fact, his £1.3m price tag that saw him selected for Sunrisers Hyderabad is testament to his standing within the global game.

Some of the leading greats have likened him to fellow Yorkshire and England star Joe Root and former batter Kevin Pietersen.

With a home Ashes series just around the corner, many England and Yorkshire fans are hoping Brook will shine against Australia. If he does, then legendary status within the county will be all but confirmed.

A presentation ceremony with the lord mayor Councillor Gerry Barker will take place later in the year.

The Roll of Honorary Freemen of the City was created in the late 19th Century.

The first name to be added was Sir Henry Mitchell, a former lord mayor, philanthropist and mill owner, in 1898.

Other Bradford recipients include novelist and playwright JB Priestley in 1973, Labour Party politician Barbara Castle in 1997, and artist David Hockney in 2000.

Other local cricket stars to have been given the same award are Adil Rashid and Jonny Bairstow, who were honoured in 2020.

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