Former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke has expressed his support for BCCI’s decision to ban England batter Harry Brook from the IPL for two years. Brook recently withdrew from this year's edition of the IPL, a decision that has fetched him a lot of criticism. The ban is a result of Brook’s sudden withdrawal. He was scheduled to play for Delhi Capitals after being bought by the franchise for INR 6.25 crore.
"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,” Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.
"He is a wonderful player and I have no 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, 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," he said.
Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is scheduled to get underway from March 22. And, Delhi Capitals will kick off their campaign on March 24 by facing Lucknow Super Giants.