Harry Brook has withdrawn from the Indian Premier League (IPL), citing personal reasons. The England batter, who was purchased for INR 4 crore by Delhi Capitals, has decided to pull out of the league, which begins on March 22.
Brook”s absence extends beyond the IPL; he was also a notable absentee from the England team recently. Originally slated to participate in the Test series in India, Brook withdrew from the Test squad at the last minute, with the England team management and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) seeking privacy for the player and his family.
“The Brook family respectfully requests privacy during this time. In light of this, the ECB and the family kindly request the media and the public to respect their wish for privacy and refrain from intruding on their private space,” stated the ECB in a January release.
“Once players register for the auction, they should honour their commitment. Reneging on it is unprofessional, and the BCCI should address this,” voiced a franchise official. This is not the first instance of such withdrawals; players like Alex Hales, Jason Roy, and even Mitchell Starc have previously withdrawn citing similar reasons. Attempts to reach Delhi Capitals officials for comment went unanswered. They seem to be looking for a replacement.
Brook has played a significant role in the Bazball style of play in the current Ben Stokes-Brandon McCullum management of the England team. However, his performance in the IPL last year was underwhelming.
Despite being purchased by SunRisers Hyderabad for a hefty sum of INR 13.25 crore in the 2023 season, he managed only 190 runs at a lowly average of 21. Consequently, the franchise released him before the auction, where Delhi Capitals acquired him for Rs 4 crore.
