Ethan Brookes may not be a familiar name in the cricket fraternity, but in Bangladesh, especially with Sylhet spectators, he has created a special bond. The young allrounder from West Midlands, England is representing Sylhet Titans in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League, his first franchise league away from home. At just 24, Ethan has already found a new home in Sylhet.
Since the Sylhet phase of this BPL, he has caught the public’s attention as a fan favourite. After saving a boundary or pulling off a stunning catch on the rope, the Sylhet crowd erupts in cheers, and Ethan responds with a simple smile, waving back or even dancing for them.
Ethan opened up with Times of Bangladesh his experience in the BPL, how he has been embraced by fans, adapted to the local culture, and found a new home away from home.
You’ve quickly become a fan favorite at Sylhet Titans. The crowd absolutely loves you. What’s that feeling like for you?
Yeah, it’s nice. I think it’s a very privileged situation to be in when the fans are on your side. They bring so much noise and passion, and especially when it’s directed at me, it makes you feel really loved. That’s a very special feeling.
How have you settled in with the team? Does it already feel like home in the dressing room?
Amazing, amazing. From day one it’s been great. I came in not knowing anyone and it can be quite a lonely environment at times, but everyone welcomed me, looked after me, and made sure I was okay. Now I really feel part of the team.
We’ve seen a few dance moves from you in Sylhet, the little jiggles and all, and the fans are loving every bit of it. How much fun are you having interacting with them?
Good, yeah. If I can interact a little, dance to the music, wave and say hello, or take pictures with the fans, I’ll always do that. They obviously mean so much to players and when you get backed by the fans, it gives you so much more confidence. I think that has definitely allowed me to do that in this tournament. Not knowing what to expect from my first franchise, I feel the fans have made me feel at ease and they’ve been absolutely brilliant.
Back in Sylhet, every time you even glance towards the gallery, the cheers just erupt. Did you expect this kind of reception before coming to Bangladesh?
No, not at all, to be honest. They’ve exceeded all expectations. You hear that the fans are amazing here, but I didn’t realize how good they actually were. It’s a credit to all the Sylhet fans and also the guys back home watching and sending messages. I do read them and that obviously means a lot.
By the way, are you on TikTok?
Yes, I am.
Because Bangladeshi TikTok feed is full of your clips, diving catches, lightning-fast fielding, everything. I saw one where the caption said you’re playing like Sylhet is your hometown, despite being a British. How special does a compliment like that feel?
Yeah, I saw that one. As I said, it’s very special. They’ve embraced me in their team and in their culture, and I’m really pleased that I’ve got the whole fan base behind me. I’d obviously like to see some TikToks of me scoring runs as well, because I’m not scoring many yet. But I’ve managed to impact in the field, which has been pleasing.
When Sylhet approached you for the BPL, what made you say yes to this team?
They were the only team that offered me. I took the opportunity with both hands and I was very lucky to get an offer in the first place. I came here not expecting to play every game, but they’ve shown a lot of trust in me and played me every game. It’s been an amazing journey so far and a great learning experience. Hopefully we can win the knockouts, reach the final, and win it.
On the field, you seem to be everywhere. What’s the secret behind that energy and those lightning-quick efforts?
I think you just have to train hard and put a lot of time into it. The main thing is to enjoy it. A lot of youngsters don’t enjoy fielding or they neglect it and focus only on batting and bowling, which is fine. But if you’re not scoring runs or taking wickets, you can still impact the game in the field. If you make yourself a good fielder from a young age, work hard at it, and enjoy it, you’ll always be in a better place.
Cricket clearly runs in your family, with your brothers playing and your father and grandfather also involved. How did your own cricketing journey begin?
It started from a very early age. My grandfather, my dad, and then my brothers all played, and we used to go and watch them as three or four-year-olds. We were introduced to the game really early, messed around in the nets, had a good time, and enjoyed it without taking it too seriously. Then you get better, take it a bit more seriously, and dedicate yourself to it. I come from a very competitive family and very sport-mad, so the love for the game came from there. I got my first professional contract at 18 and I’ve been playing professionally for six years now.
With Moeen Ali and Dawid Milan around, are you getting the chance to spend time together and share a few cricketing chats?
Very much so. In Sylhet we’re all staying in the same hotel, quite a few English guys together. We sit, have coffee, talk about cricket, watch cricket, and learn from each other. You saw Milan helping me with range hitting in the nets one day, which was very kind of him. He didn’t have to do that, but those little bits of knowledge are priceless. When you get the chance to learn from someone like that, it’s amazing, and I’ll only come out of this experience as a better player.
Do you see the BPL as an important stepping stone in your career, especially when it comes to future national opportunities?
I get asked that question a lot here and I answer it the same way every time. Yes, it’s a great platform to perform and develop your career, but personally I don’t look at it specifically in terms of England. It’s a dream and everyone wants to play for their country. If you’re good enough, you’ll play. I just try to enjoy my cricket, play with a smile on my face, and I think that gives you the best chance. You obviously need to score runs and take wickets, but this tournament is a worldwide platform. If you do well, you do well. I try not to think too far ahead.
You’ve spoken about the culture and the environment here. How are you enjoying adapting to all these new experiences?
It’s been brilliant. Everyone, from the team to the wider family, has been so welcoming and kind. It shows how caring people are that they wanted to make sure I was okay straight away. In terms of culture and food, it’s been really nice to try different things and eat food you wouldn’t usually have. I’ve loved every minute of it so far and I wouldn’t take it back for anything.
Since this is your first franchise league, was it difficult at all to gel with the group, or did it come naturally?
No, it was really easy. That’s a testament to the characters in the dressing room and the coaching staff. I never felt uncomfortable at any point. It’s just a great team and a great group of people to be part of.
So, fair to say that’s how a British boy has found himself a second home in Sylhet, hasn’t he?
Absolutely. (laughs)
