Star England batter Harry Brook has withdrawn from IPL 2025, leaving Delhi Capitals (DC) in a tough spot ahead of the new season. The 26-year-old cricketer, who was bought for ₹6.25 crore in the IPL auction, announced his decision to pull out due to workload concerns as he prioritizes England’s upcoming international commitments.
Brook’s official statement
Taking to social media, Brook apologized to Delhi Capitals and their supporters, stating:
“I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL. I apologize unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters. 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.”
Potential two-year IPL ban?
As per new IPL rules, any overseas player who opts out of the IPL after being picked in the auction (without an injury) can be banned from participating in the league for two seasons.
A BCCI document shared with teams last year stated:
“Any [overseas] player who registers for [an] auction and, after getting picked at the auction, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season will get banned from participating in the IPL/IPL auction for two seasons.”
Brook had also withdrawn from IPL 2024 following the death of his grandmother, making this his second consecutive withdrawal.
Brook’s IPL record and England’s upcoming schedule
Brook had played 11 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2023, scoring 190 runs at an average of 22.11, including a century against KKR.
His withdrawal comes as England gears up for a five-match Test series against India in June, followed by the Ashes from November to January.
Delhi Capitals yet to announce replacement
With Delhi Capitals yet to name a replacement, the franchise now faces a major decision on finding a suitable overseas batter before the tournament kicks off on March 22, with KKR facing RCB in the opening match.
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