England’s stylish batter Harry Brook became the first player to be banned from the IPL for two seasons after pulling out of IPL 2025 at the last minute. This unexpected decision came as a shock to many. Although this is not the first time Brook has withdrawn from the tournament, he did the same last season. This time, he faces a two-year ban due to new regulations.
Brook was acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 6.25 crore in the mega auction in November, but he has now cited the need to prepare for his commitments with the England team as the reason for his withdrawal. But what exactly does the rule say? Take a look at why Harry Brook has been banned from the IPL for two years.
What happens if a foreign player withdraws after being picked in IPL auction?
Just around the IPL retention time last year, the governing council announced changes to some rules. Among them, the rule regarding overseas players who make themselves available for an IPL season, get bought at the auction, and then withdraw got significant attention. According to the rule, any overseas player who secures a hefty contract but later makes themselves unavailable without a legitimate reason will face a two-year ban.
However, players who withdraw due to injuries or other valid reasons will not face any consequences. This rule was introduced because, in the past, several top players registered for the auction, got picked by teams, but later chose not to participate.
Players who skipped IPL after hefty contracts in the past
| Name | Money (Rs) | Reason | Team |
| Ben Stokes | 16.25 crore | Knee injury, workload | Chennai Super Kings |
| Jason Roy | 2 crore | Personal reasons | Gujarat Titans |
| Jason Roy | 2.8 crore | Withdrew before IPL | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Jonny Bairstow | – | Quarantine protocols | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Dawid Malan | – | Did not play second leg | Punjab Kings |
| Alex Hales | 1.5 crore | Bubble fatigue | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 50 lakh | International duty | Kolkata Knight Riders |
