English cricketer Harry Brook has pulled out of his IPL contract with the Delhi Capitals for the second year in a row, potentially facing a two-year ban from the tournament.
The England cricketer informed the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) of his decision, which was then communicated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India and subsequently relayed to the Capitals. Brook was acquired for Indian rupees 6.25 crore (£590,000) during the IPL auction last November.
In a social media post, Brook explained that he needed “time to recharge after the busiest period in my career to date.”
His decision comes amid speculation regarding his candidacy to replace Jos Buttler as England’s white-ball captain following the team’s early exit from the Champions Trophy.
Brook’s withdrawal puts him at risk of a two-year ban, as a new rule implemented before the 2025 auction penalises overseas players who withdraw after being selected.
The IPL governing council announced that any player who registers for the auction and subsequently makes themselves unavailable before the start of the season would be banned for two seasons, with the only exception being for injury or medical conditions confirmed by the player’s home board.
This marks the second consecutive year Brook has withdrawn before the IPL season; last year, he stepped back to be with family after the death of his grandmother.
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The IPL 2025 season is set to begin on March 22, with the Delhi Capitals scheduled to face the Lucknow Super Giants in their opening match on March 24.
Brook, who played one season with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2023, struggled during the campaign, scoring 190 runs at an average of 22.11, with a standout performance of 100 not out from 55 balls against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
