Harry Brook has reportedly been sent "official communication" from the BCCI imposing a ban from the IPL for two years following his withdrawal from this year's competition.
A report in The Indian Express today (March 13) said that Brook has been informed that he will not be eligible to enter the IPL auction until the 2028 edition of the competition. “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,” a spokesperson reportedly told the publication.
The ban comes days after Brook withdrew from this year's tournament, in which he was set to represent Delhi Capitals. It's the second year running Brook has pulled out of the competition, having withdrawn last year in order to spend time with his family before and after the death of his grandmother.
🗣️ "It'll be a popular decision among the fans and supporters here." 🏴@markbutcher72 on Harry Brook's withdrawal from the 2025 IPL. pic.twitter.com/J5YhrxaJz7
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) March 13, 2025
The IPL introduced their new policy on overseas players withdrawing from the competition to deter signings from pulling out at late notice. According to reports, a note was sent round to franchises ahead of the mega auction for this year's competition which read: "Any player who registers in the auction and after getting picked, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season, will get banned from participating in the tournament and player auction for 2 seasons.”
If the report of Brook's ban is accurate it means that the English batter will sit out the next two IPL auctions. England players involved in all three formats have been opting less and less to put their names forward for the IPL over the last couple of years, with Ben Stokes opting not to do so this year. Jofra Archer and Jacob Bethell will be among England names in this year's competition, with the former adding his name to the auction list at the last minute after news broke of the new withdrawal rule.
In announcing that he would not play in the competition, Brook published a statement on social media which read: "I apologise unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters. I love cricket. Ever since I was a young boy, I have dreamt of playing for my country, and I am extremely thankful to have the opportunity to play the game I love at this level.
"With the guidance of people I trust, I have taken the time to seriously consider this decision. 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.”
The IPL will get underway on March 22, with reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders facing RCB at Eden Gardens.
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