Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @harry_brook88
England batter Harry Brook has been handed a two-year ban from participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following his last-minute decision to withdraw from the upcoming 2025 season.
The Board has reportedly communicated this decision to both Brook and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The move comes after Brook opted to pull out of the IPL, citing his need to focus on England’s cricket commitments, and it aligns with a new BCCI policy regarding players who make themselves unavailable for an IPL season after being contracted.
Brook, who was acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 6.25 crore during last year’s mega auction, informed the BCCI and the ECB of his decision to withdraw from the 2025 season, which begins on March 22. According to a report from The Indian Express, both the player and the ECB were well aware of the BCCI’s policy before the auction. The policy stipulates that “any player who registers in the auction and after getting picked, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season, will get banned from participating in the tournament and player auction for 2 seasons.”
A BCCI official confirmed the decision to The Indian Express, stating: “An official communication has been sent to ECB and Brook about BCCI banning him for two years as per its policy which was informed to each player before they registered their name for IPL auction last year. It’s a policy set by the board and each player has to oblige to it.”
Brook expressed regret over his decision but emphasized the importance of focusing on his England commitments. In a statement, he said: “I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL. I apologise unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters.”
He went on to explain, “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.”
Brook further explained, “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.”
This is not the first time Brook has withdrawn from the IPL; he had earlier pulled out of the 2024 season due to the passing of his grandmother. In his brief IPL career, which began with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2023, Brook has scored 190 runs across 11 matches, including a century.
As a result of his decision to withdraw from the IPL, Harry Brook will be sidelined from the tournament for two seasons, following the BCCI’s enforcement of its new policy.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
