Harry Brook, the England batter, has been handed a two-year ban from the Indian Premier League (IPL) by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after his last-minute withdrawal from the 2025 season.
This decision, which aligns with BCCI’s new policy regarding player participation, has garnered support from his England teammates Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid.
Background of the Ban
Brook’s ban stems from his decision to withdraw from the IPL for the second consecutive year, citing commitments to the England national team.
He was acquired by the Delhi Capitals for INR 6.25 crore during the mega auction but pulled out just before the season’s commencement, leading to significant disruption for his team.
According to BCCI’s regulations, any player who registers for the auction and subsequently makes themselves unavailable without valid reasons—such as injury or family emergencies—faces a ban from participating in the tournament and its auctions for two seasons.
Support from Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid
Moeen Ali expressed his agreement with BCCI’s decision during a podcast titled “Beard Before Cricket.” He emphasized that such withdrawals can severely impact team dynamics, stating, “It’s not harsh. I kind of agree with it… Any team that loses Harry Brook is messed up a bit, and they’ve got to now rejig everything”.
He noted that many players have previously withdrawn and returned with better financial packages, which he believes complicates matters further.
Adil Rashid echoed Ali’s sentiments, reinforcing that players are aware of the consequences when they enter their names for the auction.
He remarked, “So when you put your name in, you know if you pull out, this is going to happen… I don’t think it’s harsh”. Rashid also acknowledged that exceptions should be made for genuine reasons like injuries.
Implications of the Decision
The BCCI’s strict stance aims to deter players from making last-minute withdrawals in the future.
The governing body had communicated this policy clearly to all players prior to their registration for the auction. This move is seen as an effort to maintain integrity within the league and ensure that teams can rely on their selected players throughout the season.
Brook’s withdrawal has affected his career trajectory and leaves a significant gap in Delhi Capitals’ lineup as they prepare for the upcoming season starting March 22, 2025.
The team’s management will now need to find a suitable replacement quickly to mitigate the impact of Brook’s absence.
