Yorkshire 2026 T20 Blast Cricket Draft Preview

Overview

Yorkshire have endured a disappointing few years in the Blast, failing to reach the quarter-finals since 2022, when they lost to rivals Lancashire in the semi-finals at Edgbaston. The 2025 season saw them collect five wins and nine defeats, resulting in a second-from-bottom finish in the group stage.

Yorkshire will be hoping for greater availability from Joe Root and Harry Brook, neither of whom featured last year, but they could both feature in the early stages if the ECB allow. While they have added the experienced Moeen Ali to their ranks, they have lost Dawid Malan to Gloucestershire. All-rounder Will Sutherland was originally set to return after an impressive 2025 (208 runs and 10 wickets), but he has been ruled out due to injury; the club is expected to announce a replacement soon. After several below-par years in T20 cricket, Yorkshire will be desperate to turn their fortunes around this season.

Yorkshire T20 Blast Fantasy Cricket Values

Yorkshire T20 Blast Fantasy Cricket Values

Banker / Wildcard / Young Gun / England Pick

Banker: Jonny Bairstow (WKT)

Bairstow featured seven times in the Blast in 2025, scoring 177 runs at an average of 25.28 with a strike rate of 165.42. While he and Adam Lyth perhaps weren’t at their clinical best last summer, they undoubtedly possess the makings of a dangerous opening partnership. With his England commitments reducing, his increased availability makes him a key figure and a reliable "banker" for the Yorkshire side.

Wildcard: James Wharton (BAT)

Wharton enjoyed a strong campaign last season, scoring 337 runs at an average of 24.07. With a strike rate of 144.63, he provides vital impetus during the middle overs. He recorded two half-centuries last year, including a top score of 88. Having already scored a T20 century in his career, Wharton has the "X-factor" to make a massive impact in 2026.

Young Gun: Will Luxton (BAT)

The former England Under-19 international was a standout player for Yorkshire last season and boasts an excellent T20 record. The 22-year-old maintains a strike rate of 155.24 and amassed 329 runs in 2025, including a career-best 90 not out. Having featured in all 14 games last summer and scoring three half-centuries, he is a steal for draft managers at his £6.2m valuation.

England Watch: Jafer Chohan (BWL)

The question of who will eventually succeed Adil Rashid in an England shirt is frequently asked, and the answer may lie with his Yorkshire teammate. Since making his debut in 2023, Chohan has enjoyed an impressive rise, already featuring in the Big Bash League and The Hundred. A leg-spinner with immense potential, he took 13 wickets for his county last season and continues to prove he belongs on the big stage.

Potential T20 Blast Strongest XI

No	Player	Role
1	Jonny Bairstow	WKT
2	Adam Lyth	BAT
3	James Wharton/Joe Root	BAT
4	Harry Brook	BAT
5	Will Luxton/James Wharton	ALR
6	Moeen Ali	BAT
7	Dom Bess	ALR
8	Logan van Beek	ALR
9	Adil Rashid	BWL
10	Hasan Ali (OS)	BWL
11	Jafer Chohan	BWL