Harry Brook has pulled out of his IPL deal with Delhi Capitals for the second season running, a move which could result in a two-year ban from the competition.
Brook apologised “unreservedly” to the franchise and its supporters but stressed that playing for England remains his “priority and focus”.
The 26-year-old is one of the frontrunners, along with Test captain Ben Stokes, to replace Jos Buttler as England’s white-ball captain following their group-stage elimination at the Champions Trophy.
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Brook wrote on social media: “I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL. I apologise unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters.
“I love cricket. Ever since I was a young boy I have dreamt of playing for my country and I am extremely thankful to have the opportunity to play the game I love at this level.
“With the guidance of people I trust, I have taken the time to seriously consider this decision. It is a really important time for England cricket and I want to fully commit to preparing for the upcoming series.
“In order to do this, I need time to recharge after the busiest period in my career to date. I know not everyone will understand, and I don’t expect them to, but I have to do what I believe is right and playing for my country remains my priority and focus.
“I remain hugely grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the support I receive.”
Harry Brook is an all-format regular for England (Adam Davy/PA)
England face a home series against India this summer, followed by a hotly anticipated Ashes tour against Australia in the winter.
Brook withdrew from the 2024 IPL following the death of his grandmother and faces a two-year ban under regulations put in place ahead of the 2025 auction.
In a note to franchises last September, reported by ESPNcricinfo, the IPL said: “Any [overseas] player who registers for [an] auction and, after getting picked at the auction, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season will get banned from participating in the IPL/IPL auction for two seasons.”
The only exception is for “an injury/medical condition”.