Harry Brook slapped with two-year IPL  ban after last-minute withdrawal from 2025 season

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has banned star England batsman Harry Brook from playing for the next two seasons after he abruptly pulled out of IPL 2025. The decision has been formally conveyed to Brook and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In accordance with BCCI’s strategy to stop international players from pulling out at the last minute, the decision was made.

With the excuse that he needed to concentrate on international cricket, Brook, who was acquired by the Delhi Capitals for INR 6.25 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, chose not to play in the season. After withdrawing from IPL 2024 because to his grandmother’s death, the right-hander has now missed two straight years of the competition. In response to demand from stakeholders and franchisees, the BCCI has tightened its rules against players who sign up for the auction but later withdraw.

In accordance with the new IPL regulation, a player who enters the auction and then withdraws before the season begins will be disqualified from the competition and subsequent player auctions for a period of two years.

As per the BCCI’s rules, which was communicated to all players before to their registration for the IPL auction last year,

Harry Brook and the ECB have received an official notification that he will be banned for two years.

According to a BCCI official cited by The Indian Express, “it’s a board-established policy and every player has to adhere to it.”

The purpose of the policy was to safeguard the interests of teams that make significant investments in international cricket players and to guarantee player loyalty. Numerous foreign players have chosen to leave the league after landing big contracts throughout the years, which has caused issues for organizations. The 26-year-old made his decision public on social media.

“I have decided, after much consideration, to withdraw from the forthcoming IPL. I offer the Delhi Capitals and their fans my sincere apologies. Cricket is something I adore. Since my early childhood, I have aspired to represent my nation, and I am really grateful for the chance to play the sport I love at this level. With the help of those I can trust, I have given this decision much thought. For England cricket, this is a very crucial moment, and I want to give my best to getting ready for the forthcoming series. I need some downtime following the craziest moment in my career to date so that I may accomplish this,” Brook wrote.

“Playing for my nation is still my top priority, and I realize that not everyone will understand—and I don’t expect them to. However, I have to do what I think is right. He continued, “I am still incredibly appreciative of the support and opportunities I have been given.”