In a significant move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has imposed a two-year ban on England batter Harry Brook from participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This decision comes after Brook’s last-minute withdrawal from the upcoming IPL 2025 season, where he was set to play for Delhi Capitals (DC). The ban is a direct re💧sult of a new policy introduced by the I🌳PL governing body, aimed at ensuring player commitment and preventing last-minute pullouts.
Harry Brook’s withdrawal from IPL 2025
Brook, who was acquired by the Capitals for INR 6.25 crore in the mega auction last November, announced his decision to pull out of the IPL 2025 season. This marks the second consecutive year Brook has withdrawn from the tournament; he had previously pulled out of the 2024 season following the death of his grandmother. Brook’s decision to withdraw this year is driven by his desire to focus on his international commitments with the England cricket team, particularly with important series upcoming.
The new BCCI rule
The BCCI’s new rule states that any player who registers for the IPL auction, gets picked by a franchise, and then makes themselves unavailable before the start of the season will face a two-year ban from participating in the tournament and the player auction. This rule was communicated to all players before they registered for the auction last year, ensuring that everyone was aware of the potential consequences of a late withdrawal.
As reported by Indian Express, a BCCI official has confirmed the implementation of this policy, stating, “An official communication has been sent to ECB and Brook about BCCI banning him for two years as per its policy which was informed to each player before they registered their name for IPL auction last year. It’s a policy set by the board and each player has to oblige to it.”
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Impact of the ban
The ban means that Brook will not be able to participate in the IPL or enter the auction for the next two seasons, effectively ruling him out until the 2028 edition of the tournament. This decision makes Brook the first player to receive such a ban under the new rules, highlighting the BCCI’s commitment to enforcing its policies.
Brook’s decision to prioritize his international career has been met with understanding from some quarters, given the importance of upcoming series for England, including a home Test series against India and the Ashes versus Australia. However, the BCCI’s stance reflects a broader effort to maintain the integrity and competitiveness of the IPL, ensuring that franchises are not left scrambling for replacements at short notice.
The IPL has faced challenges in the past with players pulling out mid-season or at the last minute, wh꧃ich can disrupt team dynamics and planning. The introduction of this rule aims to mitigate such disruptions and ensure that players are committed to their franchises for the duration of thﷺe tournament.
