Michael Clarke has backed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in its decision to impose a two-year ban on Harry Brook after the England batter withdrew from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The former Australian captain believes the BCCI’s firm stance will set a precedent for the future.
Harry Brook, who was acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹6.25 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, pulled out of the tournament. This decision has sparked widespread criticism. It is worth noting that this is the second consecutive year that Brook has opted out after being bought by a franchise at the auction.
Harry Brook Banned for Two Years from IPL After Skipping 2025 Season
Brook played only in the 2023 IPL season after being bought by SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) for ₹13.25 crore. He had a disappointing campaign, scoring just 190 runs in 11 matches. The right-handed batter’s best performance came against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he scored a 55-ball century.
Brook withdrew from IPL 2024 just days before the tournament, citing personal reasons. He has now been handed a two-year ban. As per IPL rules, players who withdraw after being picked in the auction shall be banned for two years unless there are injury concerns officially confirmed by their national board.
What Did Harry Brook Get Bought For? – Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke backed the BCCI’s decision to impose a two-year ban on Brook. Clarke said that some players enter the auction but then choose to pull out, unsatisfied with their bid amount. He noted that the IPL has a strict rule enforcing an automatic two-year ban for players.
“What did Harry Brook get bought for? Imagine he’s on a full contract with the ECB and he’s been banned now. Because this is what happens as well. A lot of players go into the auction, they don’t get picked up for the amount they would like and then they pull out. The IPL says if you pull out, you get an automatic two-year-ban,” Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.
Harry Brook Is the First Player to Do That – Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke said that Brook will be the first player to face a two-year IPL ban under the rule. He stated that every player desires a higher bid, but they must respect the auction process. Clarke added that players cannot withdraw because they are dissatisfied with the amount they received.
“It sounds like Harry Brook is the first player to do that but I understand why the IPL would do that. Every player would like more money but once you go into that auction and you’re bought you’ve got to respect that and understand that you can’t just pull out because you haven’t been paid the amount that you want,” Clarke added.
Delhi Capitals have not yet announced a replacement for Brook ahead of IPL 2025, which starts on March 22. The franchise has confirmed Axar Patel as their captain for the season. DC will begin their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 24 in Vishakhapatnam.
Also read: IPL 2025: Virat Kohli’s teammate appointed as an umpire by BCCI; Tanmay Srivastava becomes first man to…
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