IPL 2025: Why Harry Brook Faces Potential Two-Year Ban After Pulling Out of Delhi Capitals Contract

England batter Harry Brook has pulled out of the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the second year in a row. This decision could lead to a two-year ban from future IPL seasons. According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, Brook’s decision to withdraw was informed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) last week. The news was later shared with his team, Delhi Capitals (DC), who had bought him for ₹6.25 crore in last year's auction.

Brook, who is the top choice to replace Jos Buttler as England's white-ball captain, was bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹6.25 crore in the mega auction.

"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 2 Seasons," the rules read.

Harry Brook, 26, apologized unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their fans for his last-minute decision. IPL 2025 gets underway on March 22. Brook played IPL 2023 for Sunrisers Hyderabad but struggled to live up to the hefty price tag of Rs 13.25 crore, scoring just 190 runs in 11 matches.

"I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL. I apologise unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters," Brook said in a statement on Instagram on March 9," Brook wrote.

"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," he wrote.

"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. 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," he said.

Brook had a hard time in the Champions Trophy, scoring only 47 runs in three matches. England, captained by Jos Buttler, lost all their matches in Group A and got knocked out in the group stage.

Jos Buttler has stepped down as England's ODI captain after the team failed to reach the semi-finals. Harry Brook is expected to take over as the new captain of the senior men's white-ball team.

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