IPL 2025: “Rules are rules”- Michael Vaughan backs BCCI on Harry Brook’s potential 2-year ban from IPL – Circle of Cricket

By Jatin Sharma – 21 Mar, 2025

Former England captain Michael Vaughan justified the BCCI's decision to ban Harry Brook for the next two seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025), following the England batter's withdrawal from the tournament's upcoming 18th edition.  
Brook, rumored to be England's next white-ball captain, was purchased by Delhi Capitals for INR 6.25 crore during the super auction. However, he opted to withdraw from the tournament, making this the second year in a row that Brook has failed to appear after being selected in the auction.
Vaughan stated the players were aware of the rules well in advance. He also supported the BCCI's decision, as a franchise's plans are wrecked when a player withdraws at the last minute.
"I think they are right. You put yourself forward. The rules were the rules. They announced them at the end of last year's IPL. Put yourself into the auction, you say yes, and then you pull yourself out for nothing. He's not injured; he just had a feeling that he just didn't want to get over there to play in the IPL. He's going to stay in the UK," Vaughan said on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast.
"I get a feeling he's probably going to be the white-ball captain for England down the line, so he just wants to focus his attention on England, which all the England fans would be happy with, but I think the IPL had to bring something in because it does derail the franchises in the piece. I don't think he's been replaced yet," he added.
Last year, Harry Book opted out of the event to be with his family when his grandmother died. Earlier this month, the right-hander announced on Instagram that he was withdrawing from the IPL to focus on his commitment to the England team.
Following this, the BCCI informed Brook and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) of their decision to ban him from the 2026 and 2027 IPL seasons.
"An official communication has been sent to ECB and Brook about BCCI banning him for two years as per its policy which was informed to each player before they registered their name for the IPL auction last year. It's a policy set by the board and each player has to oblige to it," Indian Express quoted a BCCI official as saying.
Harry Brook debuted in the IPL in the 2023 season, playing for SunRisers Hyderabad. In 11 matches, he scored 190 runs.
By Jatin Sharma – 21 Mar, 2025
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