New Delhi: England batter Harry Brook stares at a two-year ban from the Indian Premer League after withdrawing from the competition for the second successive year.
The 26-year-old’s decision to pull out has been informed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India officials by their counterparts at England and Wales Cricket Board, which has been relayed to Delhi Capitals, who spent Rs 6.25 crore for him at the IPL auction in November last year, reports ESPNcricinfo.
“I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL. I apologise unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters,” the right hander wrote on social media platform X.
“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.”
Strict new IPL rules
Brook had withdrawn from Delhi Capitals’ squad last season too citing family bereavement and has so far played in only one edition of the IPL – for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2023.
It leaves Brook open to being barred for two seasons of the IPL as per new rules that states: “Any player who registers in the player auction and after getting picked at the auction, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season, will get banned from participating in the tournament and player auction for 2 Seasons.”
He is considered to be the frontunner to succeed Jos Buttler as skipper of England’s white-ball team after their group-stage exit for the Champions Trophy.
Harry Brrok was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 6.25 crore at the IPL 2025 auction in November last year Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
