Harry Brook risks two-year IPL ban as he pulls out of 2025 season: 'Playing for country remains my priority'

England star batter Harry Brook faces a two-year ban from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after pulling out from the 2025 season to manage his workload. Brook was purchased by the Delhi Capitals (DC) for Rs 6.5 crore in the IPL 2025 auction . However, Brook pulled out for a second time.

He had pulled out before the IPL 2024 as well, when he was purchased by DC for Rs 4 crore, to be around his grieving family after the death of his grandmother.

Brook faces two-year IPL ban

This time, Brook says he withdrew from IPL 2025 to manage his workload. The 26-year-old batter is expected to take over the white-ball captaincy of England after Buttler’s resignation following a poor Champions Trophy 2025.

“I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL,” Brook wrote on Instagram. “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.

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“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. I know not everyone will understand, and I don’t expect them to, but I have to do what I believe is right, and playing for my country remains my priority and focus. I remain hugely grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the support I receive.”

Harry Brook should be banned. No excuse. pic.twitter.com/NHKaArgRpg

— Yash Lahoti (@YvLahoti) March 10, 2025

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The decision left Brook at risk of a two-year IPL ban. The rule, introduced before the 2025 auction, was implemented following feedback from all ten franchises, who voiced frustration over repeated late withdrawals by overseas players.

“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,” IPL organisers told franchises in a note in September last year.

The IPL 2025 starts on 22 March with a match between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). DC’s first match is against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Visakhapatnam on 24 March 24.