Harry Brooks out of IPL 2024
Harry Brook has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) due to personal reasons. The England cricketer, who was signed by Delhi Capitals for INR 4 crore, has opted out of the tournament, which is set to commence on March 22.
Brook’s absence not only affects his IPL commitments but also extends to his recent absence from the England team. Initially expected to join the Test series in India, Brook withdrew from the Test squad unexpectedly, prompting the England team management and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to request privacy for him and his family.
In a statement released by the ECB in January, they requested privacy for the Brook family during this challenging time. Following the revelation of Brook’s reason for absence on social media, attributing it to the passing of his grandmother, the ECB reiterated their plea for privacy.
— Harry Brook (@Harry_Brook_88) March 13, 2024
However, the sudden withdrawal of English players, citing personal reasons, has left IPL franchises dissatisfied. They argue that such abrupt pullouts disrupt their planning post-auction. There are talks among IPL franchises about addressing this issue with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Expressing their concern, a franchise official emphasized the importance of players honoring their commitments once they register for the auction, considering it unprofessional to renege on them. Instances of such withdrawals have occurred in the past, involving players like Alex Hales, Kevin Pietersen, Jason Roy, and Mitchell Starc.
While Brook has been integral to the Bazball style under the management of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum in the England team, his performance in the previous IPL season was lackluster. Despite being acquired by SunRisers Hyderabad for a substantial sum of INR 13.25 crore in the 2023 season, he underperformed, scoring only 190 runs with a low average of 21. Consequently, he was released before the auction, and Delhi Capitals acquired him for Rs 4 crore.
