Harry Brook has pulled out of IPL deals twice in two years now.
Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke has chided England’s Harry Brook for withdrawing from the IPL 2025 tournament. Brook, who was picked by Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025 auction for INR 6.25 Cr, announced that he would not be playing in the tournament due to national commitments.
Brook, who was bought by a team at the auction, will not play for them in the IPL for the second year in a row. Brook told the Capitals last March, just days before the start of the IPL, that he would be withdrawing from the competition to be with family following the death of his grandma. He has also missed England's five-match Test series in India.
According to the new rules, Harry Brook may be banned from the IPL for two years.
Michael Clarke believes the BCCI's stern position against Brook is justified and will create a precedent for the future. Clarke believes that numerous players leave the IPL because they haven't received the deal they believe they deserve, and that is where the problem lies.
"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.
"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,” he added.
Brook, who has stated that he wants to recharge his batteries in what has been his busiest England season yet, is also considered the next in line for the national team's limited-overs captaincy after Jos Buttler left.
For Brook, captaining England is like hanging a carrot in front of him, which may have influenced his decision. However, Clarke cannot overstate how important it is for a player to respect a commitment once made.
"He is a wonderful player and I do not doubt that he will be part of the IPL if he wants to, moving forward. But he's probably got his reasons. That's the other thing. Every individual will have to make this choice – IPL or domestic competition. You have the choice to go in.
I can't remember whether it was the first year or the second, but I pulled out because somebody in my family passed away. I come home to be there for the family, the funeral, and all that. So if there are personal reasons, I think the IPL will understand and respect that but if it's because you're not getting the money you want, they are going to crack down on that. And you have to respect that,” Clarke added.
The IPL 2025 begins on March 22.