The decision to impose a ban is not entirely unreasonable—every franchise meticulously plans for months before signing players. If a player withdraws just before the tournament, it disrupts the team’s strategy.
To prevent such situations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may set an example, and Harry Brook could be the scapegoat.
Brook has made withdrawing from the IPL a habit, as this is the second consecutive year he has done the same. In the mega auction last November, Delhi Capitals signed him for ₹6.25 crore, but he has now pulled out of the tournament.
The English batter had initially approached the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which then informed the BCCI. This news eventually reached the Delhi Capitals management, leaving them frustrated. As a result, Brook could face a two-year ban from the IPL.
Neither side has made an official statement yet, but reports suggest Brook’s withdrawal is largely true. It is believed that after Jos Buttler steps down from leadership, ECB is considering Brook as a future England captain.
This could be a major reason behind his decision. Additionally, since Brook plays in all three formats for England, managing his workload is crucial.
Regardless of the reason, the IPL community is now turning against Brook. A new rule was recently introduced stating that if a player registers for the auction, gets picked by a team, and then withdraws without a valid reason, he could face a ban. This rule was approved by all ten franchises before the last auction.
Brook has fallen into the trap of this regulation. Now, the question remains—has he officially withdrawn? If so, what action will BCCI take? The cricketing world is eagerly waiting to find out.
The decision to ban him may not be entirely unjustified—franchises invest significant time and resources in building their squads. If a player backs out at the last moment, it disrupts the entire team strategy. If BCCI wants to set a precedent, Harry Brook might be the first to face consequences.
