New Delhi, March 10 – A Major Setback for Delhi Capitals In a significant development, England’s middle-order batsman Harry Brook has withdrawn from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, citing his commitment to England’s national team and upcoming international fixtures as the primary reason.
Brook, who was acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹6.25 crore in the mega auction held in November, has opted out of the tournament for the second consecutive year, raising speculation over his future in the IPL. His decision could now put him at risk of a two-year ban from the league, as per IPL’s new regulations.
IPL’s Strict Withdrawal Policy Could Impact Brook’s Future
The IPL governing body introduced a strict rule regarding player withdrawals, which states:
“If a player registers for the auction and gets picked by a franchise but later declares himself unavailable before the tournament begins, he will face a ban from IPL and its auctions for the next two seasons.”
However, the rule does not apply if a player withdraws due to injury or other medical reasons.
With Brook’s latest decision being a voluntary withdrawal, the rule could potentially impact his IPL participation until 2027.
Brook Explains His Decision on Social Media
In a statement shared on social media, Brook clarified his stance:
“This is a crucial phase for England cricket, and I want to focus entirely on preparing for the upcoming series. To give my best, I need to recharge myself, as this has been the busiest period of my career so far.”
He further acknowledged the possible backlash, saying:
“I understand that not everyone will agree with my decision, and I don’t expect them to. However, I have to do what I believe is right, and for me, playing for my country remains my top priority.”
Second IPL Withdrawal in Two Years
Brook had previously pulled out of the 2024 IPL season due to personal reasons, following the loss of a close family member. His only IPL season was in 2023 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he delivered mixed performances, including an explosive century but struggled with consistency.
Implications for Delhi Capitals and IPL 2025
Brook’s absence is a big blow for Delhi Capitals, who were banking on him to strengthen their middle-order batting lineup. The franchise will now have to look for a suitable replacement, which could be a local uncapped player or an overseas recruit from the available pool.
With IPL 2025 just weeks away, Brook’s withdrawal is expected to stir discussions on player commitments and franchise stability, particularly regarding overseas players opting out post-auction.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.