England batter Harry Brook has decided to withdraw from the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), marking his second consecutive absence from the tournament. This move could lead to a two-year ban under new regulations established by the IPL’s Governing Council ahead of the 2025 auction.
A rule introduced for this year’s auction specifies that any player who registers, is then selected, and subsequently makes themselves unavailable before the start of the season will face a two-year ban from both the tournament and future player auctions. One of the rules reads: “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 two seasons.”
Brook, who has already missed the 2024 IPL due to personal reasons, issued a heartfelt apology to the Delhi Capitals, the franchise that had picked him up, as well as to its supporters. In a social media post on Sunday, he explained his decision and reiterated that playing for England remains his top priority. “I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL. I apologize unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters,” Brook wrote.
This decision comes at a crucial time for England cricket, with the team gearing up for significant upcoming series. “It is a really important time for England cricket and I want to fully commit to preparing for the upcoming series,” he continued. In his statement, Brook highlighted the need for time to recharge after what he described as the busiest period of his career. “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,” he added.
Brook’s withdrawal from the IPL also means he will focus on preparing for a crucial home Test series against India starting in June, followed by a high-profile Ashes series against Australia from November to January. His absence from the IPL aligns with his commitment to the national team.
The 26-year-old Brook, along with England’s Test captain Ben Stokes, has been considered a frontrunner to replace Jos Buttler as the captain of England’s white-ball team, following England’s early exit from the Champions Trophy group stage.
This year’s IPL will begin on March 22, with the Kolkata Knight Riders facing off against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens.
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Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @harry_brook88
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
