Harry Brook. | (Image Credits: X)
England’s all-format cricketer Harry Brook has had to bear the brunt of pulling out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the second consecutive season as reports have claimed that he has been banned for two years. According to media reports, an official communication has been sent to the England Cricket Board (ECB) about the same.
The Englishman had pulled out of IPL 2024 as well, citing his grandmother’s demise when he was contracted by the Delhi Capitals. The Capitals had again shelled out ₹6.25 crore on the 26-year-old in the auction held last year in Saudi Arabia and Brook pulled out, citing his willingness to concentrate on international cricket. As per the tournament rules confirmed before, a cricketer will be banned for two years if he pulls out of the tournament after the auction. However, exceptions can be made for injury-related reasons.
A BCCI official told The Indian Express:
“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.”
Delhi Capitals yet to confirm their captain for IPL 2025
With the Capitals releasing Rishabh Pant ahead of IPL 2025, the franchise is left without a captain. According to media reports, KL Rahul has declined the offer to become the skipper; hence, Axar Patel is likely to take on the role.
The Capitals will open their campaign against the Lucknow Super Giants on March 24.
