England’s middle-order batter Harry Brook will be ineligible to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) until 2027 after pulling out of the 2025 edition at the last minute. Brook, who was set to play for Delhi Capitals (DC), withdrew from the tournament just two weeks before his team’s opening match, citing workload management.
Brook’s Consecutive IPL Withdrawals Lead to Ban
This marks the second consecutive year that Brook has opted out of the IPL at the last minute. In 2024, he pulled out after being bought by DC for ₹4 crore, following the passing of his grandmother. However, this time, his withdrawal triggered a strict BCCI rule introduced last year to prevent last-minute pullouts.
BCCI Enforces Two-Year Ban for Overseas Players
To protect franchises from sudden player withdrawals, the BCCI had implemented a new rule ahead of the mega auction in Jeddah last year. The rule states that any foreign player who withdraws after being picked in the auction, without citing an injury, will face a two-year IPL ban.
“There was a rule in place and that has been implemented. The ban covers the 2025 and 2026 edition,” a BCCI official told PTI.
The BCCI document shared with franchises last year states:
“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 Prioritizes England Career Over IPL
Brook confirmed his withdrawal earlier this week, apologizing to Delhi Capitals and their fans.
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“I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL. I apologize unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters,” Brook wrote on social media.
He emphasized his commitment to England cricket, stating:
“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.”
Upcoming England Fixtures for Brook
Brook’s decision to skip IPL 2025 comes ahead of a crucial period for England cricket. The team will host India for a Test series in June, followed by the much-anticipated Ashes from November to January.
With his IPL ban in place until 2027, Brook will have to reconsider his future participation in the league, while franchises may now be more cautious when bidding for overseas players.
