Harry Brook pulls out of IPL 2025, here's why he might get banned for 2 yrs

DC bagged Brook for Rs 6.25 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. Any foreign player who voluntarily withdraws after being picked at the auction-unless due to injury-faces suspension from the IPL

England batter Harry Brook has pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, leaving Delhi Capitals (DC) in the lurch ahead of the tournament’s start on March 22. The abrupt decision has put the 26-year-old in hot water, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rules suggesting he could now face a two-year ban from the league.

 

Delhi Capitals bagged Brook for Rs 6.25 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction.

 

This marks the second consecutive season Brook has withdrawn after being picked at the auction, a move that could have serious repercussions on his future participation in the world’s most lucrative T20 league.  Check IPL 2025 full schedule, venues and match time here

 

"A very difficult decision"

 

Brook, who was expected to play a key role for Delhi Capitals, took to social media to apologise to the franchise and its fans, expressing regret over his decision.

 

"I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL. I apologise unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters," Brook wrote.

 

Citing England’s upcoming commitments, he explained that he needed time to recover after a grueling schedule and focus on national duties.

 

"It is a really important time for England cricket, and I want to fully commit to preparing for the upcoming series. To do this, I need time to recharge after the busiest period in my career to date."

 

Acknowledging the inevitable backlash, Brook added, “I know not everyone will understand, and I don’t expect them to, but I have to do what I believe is right. Playing for my country remains my priority and focus.”

Delhi Capitals full squad and player salaries

   

Players bought by Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 mega auction
Player	Base Price	Winning Bid	Capped/Uncapped
KL Rahul	RS 2 crore	Rs 14 crore	Capped
Mitchell Starc	RS 2 crore	Rs 11.75 crore	Capped
T. Natarajan	RS 2 crore	Rs 10.75 crore	Capped
Jake Fraser-Mcgurk	RS 2 crore	Rs 9 crore	Capped
Harry Brook (Withdrawn)	RS 2 crore	Rs 6.25 crore	Capped
Sameer Rizvi	Rs 30 Lakh	Rs 95 lakh	Uncapped
Karun Nair	Rs 30 lakh	Rs 50 lakh	Uncapped
Ashutosh Sharma	Rs 30 Lakh	Rs 3.8 crore	Uncapped
Mohit Sharma	Rs 50 lakh	Rs 2.2 crore	Uncapped
Sameer Rizvi	Rs 30 lakhs	Rs 95 lakhs	Uncapped
Karun Nair	Rs 30 lakhs	Rs 50 lakhs	Uncapped
Darshan Nalkande	Rs 30 lakhs	Rs 30 lakhs	Uncapped

   

Delhi Capitals list of retained players for IPL 2025: 

Delhi Capitals retained players list
Category	Player name and IPL salary in rupees
Retention 1	Axar Patel (16.50 cr)
Retention 2	Kuldeep Yadav (13.25 cr)
Retention 3	Tristan Stubbs (10 cr)
Retention 4	Abishek Porel (4 cr)

 

 

 

BCCI’s hardline stance: IPL future in jeopardy

 

Brook’s withdrawal puts him at risk of facing a two-season ban from the IPL, as per BCCI’s strict regulations. According to a directive issued last year, any foreign player who voluntarily withdraws after being picked at the auction—unless due to injury—faces suspension from the IPL and all future auctions for the next two editions.

 

"Any overseas player who registers for an auction and, after getting picked, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season will get banned from participating in the IPL/IPL auction for two seasons," the BCCI guidelines state.

 

This could mean that Brook, who had already pulled out of the 2024 season following the death of his grandmother, might not be seen in the IPL until at least 2027.

 

England’s packed schedule takes precedence

 

Brook’s decision comes at a critical juncture for England cricket. The team is set to host India in a high-profile home Test series in June, followed by the Ashes series against Australia from November to January—a contest that holds immense significance in England’s cricketing calendar.