New Delhi: England cricketer Harry Brook has been handed a two-year ban from the Indian Premier League (IPL). As per reports, Brook will only be eligible to participate in the IPL after serving this suspension. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took this strict action after Brook recently withdrew from IPL 2025 due to personal reasons. With this decision, he becomes the first cricketer to face a two-year ban under the league’s new rules.
According to sources, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had initially reached out to the BCCI regarding Brook’s withdrawal from IPL 2025. Following this, the information was passed on to the Delhi Capitals franchise, which had acquired him for ₹6.25 crore during the mega auction.
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Why Was Harry Brook Banned from IPL?
A report from The Indian Express cites a BCCI official stating that ECB officials were contacted regarding Brook’s suspension. The official revealed that before the auction last year, all players were informed about the new regulations. BCCI has introduced these rules to ensure discipline and commitment among foreign players, and every cricketer must abide by them.
Harry Brook’s ban comes under a newly implemented rule, which states that any foreign player who withdraws from the tournament after being bought at the auction but before the season starts will face a two-year suspension. Reports suggest that BCCI introduced this rule upon the request of all 10 IPL franchises. The primary reason for implementing this regulation was the recurring trend of England players pulling out of the tournament just before the season commenced.
The decision is seen as a move to protect the interests of IPL teams that invest heavily in overseas players. Over the years, last-minute withdrawals have caused major disruptions in team strategies, forcing franchises to find last-minute replacements. With Brook’s suspension, BCCI has sent a strong message to all players, emphasizing the importance of commitment once they enter the auction.