Delhi Capitals’ Harry Brook withdrew from IPL for a second consecutive season for non-injury reasons

Former England allrounder Moeen Ali believes that the possibility of Harry Brook facing a two-year ban from the IPL for pulling out after being signed at the auction is justified.

Under the IPL’s revised regulations, Brook will be ineligible to participate in the tournament or enter the auction until 2027. Currently, the only exception to this rule applies to players who miss a season due to a verified injury or medical condition, as confirmed by their home board.

When asked about the potential ban on the Beard Before Cricket podcast, Moeen said, “I don’t think it’s harsh, I actually agree with it. Many players have withdrawn in the past and later returned to secure better financial deals. This disrupts teams and causes complications. Losing a player like Brook forces teams to restructure their plans. The rule states that unless it’s for a family reason or injury, pulling out results in a ban, and I support that.”

Delhi Capitals had signed Brook for INR 6.25 crore (£590,000 approx.) at the mega-auction last November but were notified of his withdrawal earlier this month through the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). At the time, Brook shared on social media that he needed time to recharge after enduring an intense playing schedule.

Brook, who holds an all-format contract with England, is seen as the leading candidate to replace Jos Buttler as the country’s white-ball captain following Buttler’s resignation after England’s winless Champions Trophy campaign. Moeen, who is set to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, suggested that Brook’s captaincy prospects could have influenced his decision to skip the IPL.

“This has happened before with England players,” Moeen noted. “Brook has played a lot of cricket, and he might just be looking for some rest ahead of a crucial summer and the next 12 months, which includes a home Test series against India and the Ashes in Australia. He’s likely taking a step back to refocus.”

Brook’s decision puts him in a challenging position. While the IPL has not formally sanctioned him, the new rules were introduced ahead of the 2025 season based on feedback from franchises frustrated by late withdrawals of overseas players.

This marks the second consecutive year Brook has pulled out before an IPL season. In March 2024, just ten days before Delhi Capitals’ first match, he withdrew to be with his family following the passing of his grandmother. The bereavement had also led to his absence from England’s Test tour of India in February.

England legspinner Adil Rashid echoed Moeen’s stance, stating that players are aware of the rules when they enter the auction.

“The rule is clear—if you put your name in the auction, you accept the consequences if you withdraw,” Rashid said. “Unless it’s due to injury, the regulations are strict to prevent last-minute withdrawals, which disrupt team planning. This has been an issue in the IPL for years, and the league is now addressing it.”