Star England and Delhi Capitals batter Harry Brook has reportedly been banned from the Indian Premier League for two years. The 26-year-old has been punished for withdrawing days ahead of the start of the 2025 edition of the world's biggest T20 league. (More Cricket News)
According to the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI)'s new policy, Brook cannot enter the auction for two more years. The BCCI has informed England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) about the decision, an Indian Express report states.
“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,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying in the report.
As per a new rule introduced by the IPL, “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.”
Brook was bought by DC for INR 6.25 crore but chose to opt out of this year's tournament. "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 on social media.
“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."
The 26-year-old Brook had earlier withdrawn from the 2024 edition of IPL following the death of his grandmother.
