Posted by Harry Brook Withdraws from IPL
Harry Brook, an English batsman, has opted out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for personal reasons. Secured by Delhi Capitals for INR 4 crore, Brook has chosen not to participate in the league, which is set to commence on March 22.
Brook’s Absence Beyond IPL
Brook’s absence extends beyond the IPL; he was also missing from the England squad. Expected to play in the Test series against India, his unexpected withdrawal led to a privacy request from both England’s team management and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
ECB’s Statement
In January, the ECB released a statement: “The Brook family asks for privacy at this time. Consequently, both the ECB and the family urge the media and public to honor their privacy request and avoid encroaching on their personal space.”
Frustration Among IPL Teams
The trend of English players withdrawing from commitments has caused frustration among IPL teams. They argue that such withdrawals disrupt their auction strategies and are considering addressing this with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Franchise Official’s Remarks
A franchise official stated, “Players should fulfill their obligations once they register for the auction. Backing out is unprofessional, and it’s something that the BCCI needs to address.” This issue is not unprecedented, with players like Alex Hales, Jason Roy, and Mitchell Starc having previously backed out for similar reasons.
Search for Replacement
Efforts to contact Delhi Capitals’ officials have been unsuccessful, indicating they are likely in search of a replacement for Brook.
Brook’s Pivotal Role and Disappointing Stint
Brook has been pivotal in the ‘Bazball’ approach under the management of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum for the England team. However, his performance in the previous IPL season with SunRisers Hyderabad was underwhelming, scoring only 190 runs at an average of 21, despite a hefty price tag of INR 13.25 crore in the 2023 season.