IPL 2025 Explained: Why England's Harry Brook faces risk of IPL ban, what does the new rule state?

Harry Brook has opted out of IPL 2025 (AP Photo)

England batter Harry Brook could be banned from all upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) games for two years after he withdrew from his deal with the Delhi Capitals (DC). All ten teams responded that the new rule was put into place prior to the 2025 IPL mega auction because they were annoyed by the last-minute withdrawals of several players, mostly English, over the previous three years.

Why Harry Brook faces the risk of IPL ban?

In a note to franchises last September, the IPL said, "Any [overseas] player who registers for [an] auction and, after getting picked at the auction, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season will get banned from participating in the IPL/IPL auction for two seasons."

The only exception, the governing council of the league said, will be for "an injury/medical condition, which will have to be confirmed by the [player's] home board".

Neither the captain nor Brook's successor have been declared by DC as of yet.

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Why Harry Brook opted out of IPL 2025?

In a "unreserved" apology to the cricket team and its fans on Sunday, Brook emphasized that playing for England is still his "priority and focus".

"I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL. I apologize unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters," Brook wrote on social media. "It is a really important time for England cricket and I want to fully commit to preparing for the upcoming series. In order to do this, I need time to recharge after the busiest period in my career to date. I know not everyone will understand, and I don't expect them to, but I have to do what I believe is right and playing for my country remains my priority and focus."

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What are the upcoming assignments of England?

England will play India in a home Test series starting in June. They will travel to Australia for the much anticipated Ashes tour from November to January.

Harry Brook's record in IPL 2023

In 11 IPL games in 2023, Brook scored 190 runs at an average of 22.11 while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He also recorded a noteworthy century against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Why Harry Brook opted out of IPL last year?

Following the death of his grandmother, Brook withdrew from the 2024 IPL.

When does IPL 2025 start?

This year's IPL will begin on March 22 at Eden Gardens with a matchup between the Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.