England’s star batter Harry Brook has been handed a two-year ban from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after pulling out of the 2025 season at the last moment. The decision comes under a new IPL regulation, which penalizes players who register for the auction, secure a contract, and then withdraw before the season begins.
Brook, who was picked by Delhi Capitals in the mega auction, has now been barred from participating in the IPL and player auction for the next two years, effectively ruling him out of the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Brook’s last-minute withdrawal leads to ban
According to reports, Brook opted out of the IPL citing the need to focus on his national commitments with England. This is the second consecutive year he has withdrawn from the tournament, which may have factored into the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to enforce the new rule.
As per the updated IPL policy:
“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 two seasons.”
Brook’s sudden withdrawal has left Delhi Capitals in a difficult position, as they now have to seek a replacement at short notice.
Impact of the ban on Brook’s IPL career
Brook, known for his aggressive stroke play, was expected to be a key player for Delhi Capitals this season. However, his decision to withdraw and the resulting ban mean that he will miss out on two full IPL cycles, potentially affecting his market value and opportunities in the league when he becomes eligible again in 2027.
The BCCI’s strict stance on last-minute pullouts signals a shift towards ensuring greater accountability from international players, reinforcing the league’s commitment to maintaining team stability and fairness in player auctions.
