Harry Brook withdraws from IPL second year running, thereby incurring himself with a 2-year ban from the competition.
Harry Brook withdraws his name from the upcoming IPL season. He was supposed to suit up for the Delhi Capitals.
Brook was purchased by DC for INR 6.25 crore (£590,000) at the IPL mega auction last November, and ECB authorities informed the BCCI of his decision to withdraw last week.
Although Brook stated on social media* that he needed “time to recharge after the busiest period in my career to date,” the IPL has not yet released an official statement on the matter. Following their Champions Trophy group-stage loss, he is regarded as the front-runner to succeed Jos Buttler as England’s white-ball captain. As an all-formats player with 18 months left on his ECB central contract, workload management may play a role in the withdrawal.
“I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL,” Brook tweeted. “I apologise unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters. I love cricket. Ever since I was a young boy, I have dreamt of playing for my country, and I am extremely thankful to have the opportunity to play the game I love at this level.
“With the guidance of people I trust, I have taken the time to seriously consider this decision. It is a really important time for England cricket, and I want to fully commit to preparing for the upcoming series. In order to do this, I need time to recharge after the busiest period in my career to date. I know not everyone will understand, and I don’t expect them to, but I have to do what I believe is right, and playing for my country remains my priority and focus. I remain hugely grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the support I receive.”
He might be banned from the IPL for two years as a result of the ruling. Based on input from all ten franchises, who have voiced their displeasure with the string of late pullouts by foreign players, the new regulation was implemented before to the 2025 auction.
In a note to franchises last September, the IPL said: “Any [overseas] player who registers for [an] auction and, after getting picked at the auction, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season will get banned from participating in the IPL/IPL auction for two seasons.”