Michael Clarke has expressed his support for the BCCI's decision to impose a two-season ban on Harry Brook from the IPL, following the England batsman's withdrawal from the 2025 season. Brook, who was acquired by the Delhi Capitals for ₹6.25 crore during the IPL 2025 mega-auction, announced last week that he would not participate in the tournament's 18th edition, prompting significant backlash. This marks the second consecutive year that Brook, who was purchased by a franchise at the auction, will not fulfil his commitment to the IPL. Last March, just prior to the tournament's commencement, Brook had notified the Capitals of his decision to withdraw in order to attend to family matters after the passing of his grandmother. He also missed England's five-Test series in India.

Despite this, Clarke, a former captain of the Australian World Cup-winning team, believes that the BCCI's stringent approach towards Brook is justified and may establish a precedent for the future. He argues that many players opt out of the IPL when they feel they have not received a contract that meets their expectations, which he identifies as a significant issue.

"What was Harry Brook's auction price? Consider that he is under a full contract with the ECB and now faces a ban. This situation arises frequently; numerous players enter the auction, do not receive the offers they desire, and subsequently withdraw. The IPL has a policy that enforces an automatic two-year ban for such withdrawals," Clarke stated on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.

"It may seem that Harry Brook is the first player to face this consequence, but I comprehend the IPL's rationale. Every player aspires for higher compensation, but once you enter the auction and are acquired, it is essential to honour that commitment and recognize that you cannot simply withdraw due to dissatisfaction with your pay."

'You've got to respect the BCCI'

Brook has expressed his desire to recharge after what has been his most demanding season with England to date. He is also viewed as a potential successor to Jos Buttler for the national team's limited-overs captaincy, following Buttler's resignation after England's disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy. For Brook, the opportunity to lead England serves as a motivating factor, which may have influenced his decision-making. However, Clarke emphasizes the importance of honouring commitments once they are made.

"He is an exceptional player, and I am confident that he will participate in the IPL if he chooses to do so in the future. However, he likely has his reasons for his decisions. Each individual must weigh their options—whether to pursue the IPL or focus on domestic competitions. The choice is theirs," Clarke remarked.

"I cannot recall if it was during my first or second year, but I withdrew from the tournament due to a family bereavement. I returned home to support my family during the funeral and related matters. If personal circumstances arise, I believe the IPL will be understanding and respectful. However, if the reason is financial dissatisfaction, they will take a firm stance on that. It is essential to acknowledge and respect their position."

Read Also: Mumbai Indians Name Suryakumar Yadav as Captain After Hardik Pandya's Ban from CSK Clash in IPL 2025

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