Srinagar: England batter Harry Brook has announced that he is withdrawing from upcoming IPL 2025 as he needs to recharge and focus on International cricket.
“I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL,” Brook posted on his social media. “I apologies unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters.”
Brook had also withdrew from his contract with the Delhi side last season after the death of his grandmother.
He now faces a likely two-year suspension under rules designed to prevent late pullouts from the money-spinning T20 league by overseas players. Exceptions can be made, mostly for injuries.
“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,” Brook added.
England are set to play five Tests against India from June during their home summer this year, followed by an Ashes tour to Australia starting in November.
“It is a really important time for England cricket, and I want to fully commit to preparing for the upcoming series,” he further stated. “In order to do this, I need time to recharge after the busiest period in my career to date.”
Harry Brook played one previous season in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2023, when he scored a 55-ball century against Kolkata Knight Riders.
The 2025 IPL begins on March 22, when defending champions Kolkata host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens.
By making the big decision to pull, Brook has put himself at risk of being banned from the tournament for a couple of seasons. The IPL governing council introduced a new rule in September last year regarding an overseas player making himself unavailable after getting picked by a team.
“Any [overseas] player who registers for [an] auction and, after getting picked at the auction, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season will get banned from participating in the IPL/IPL auction for two seasons,” the IPL governing council stated in a note to franchise.