Harry Brook has pulled out of his IPL take care of Delhi Capitals for the second season running, a move which could lead to a two-year ban from the competition.
Brook apologised “unreservedly” to the franchise and its supporters but stressed that playing for England stays his “priority and focus”.
The 26-year-old is one in every of the frontrunners, together with Test captain Ben Stokes, to interchange Jos Buttler as England’s white-ball captain following their group-stage elimination on the Champions Trophy.
Pulling out of the IPL
Brook wrote on social media: “I actually have made the very difficult decision to drag out of the upcoming IPL. I apologise unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters.
“I really like cricket. Ever since I used to be a young boy I actually have dreamt of playing for my country and I’m extremely thankful to have the chance to play the sport I really like at this level.
“With the guidance of individuals I trust, I actually have taken the time to significantly consider this decision. It’s a very necessary time for England cricket and I would like to totally commit to preparing for the upcoming series.
“So as to do that, I would like time to recharge after the busiest period in my profession so far. I do know not everyone will understand, and I don’t expect them to, but I actually have to do what I consider is correct and playing for my country stays my priority and focus.
“I remain hugely grateful for the opportunities I actually have been given and the support I receive.”
England face a house series against India this summer, followed by a hotly anticipated Ashes tour against Australia within the winter.
Brook withdrew from the 2024 IPL following the death of his grandmother and faces a two-year ban under regulations put in place ahead of the 2025 auction.
In a note to franchises last September, reported by ESPNcricinfo, the IPL said: “Any [overseas] player who registers for [an] auction and, after getting picked on the auction, makes himself unavailable before the beginning of the season will get banned from participating within the IPL/IPL auction for 2 seasons.”
The one exception is for “an injury/medical condition”.
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