Former England captain Michael Vaughan has supported the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over its decision to ban Harry Brook from the Indian Premier League (IPL) for two seasons. The England batter faced the ban after pulling out of IPL 2025 at the last minute, despite being bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹6.25 crore in last year’s auction.
Brook had earlier withdrawn from IPL 2024 following the death of his grandmother. However, this time, he cited a need to focus on his England career, a move that triggered the automatic two-year ban under BCCI rules. The rule states that a foreign player who opts out after being picked at the auction—unless injured—faces a two-season suspension.
Vaughan backed BCCI’s stance, stating that Brook’s decision disrupted the franchise. "I think they are right. The rules were clear. You put yourself into the auction, get picked, and then pull out without an injury. He just didn’t want to go. That affects the team," Vaughan said on the Club Prairie Fire podcast.
While speculating that Brook could be England’s future white-ball captain, Vaughan acknowledged that his decision to prioritize national duties would be welcomed by England fans. However, he emphasized that the IPL had to enforce strict rules to prevent franchises from being left in a difficult position.
Earlier this month, Brook apologized to Delhi Capitals and their supporters, saying, "I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL. It is a really important time for England cricket, and I want to fully commit to preparing for the upcoming series."
