(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Just days before the much-anticipated red carpet event for the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), star England batsman Harry Brook has made a surprising announcement.
Despite being picked up by the Delhi Capitals for a hefty INR 4 crore in the auction, Brook has declared himself unavailable for the entire season, citing personal reasons.
This is not the first time Brook has opted out of a high-profile cricket event. Prior to the commencement of the recent India-England five-match Test series, Brook withdrew at the eleventh hour, citing similar personal reasons.
In response, the England Cricket Board (ECB) has appealed for privacy, urging both media and fans to respect Brook and his family’s need for space during this time of personal reflection and recuperation.
“The Brook family respectfully requests privacy during this time. In light of this, the ECB and the family kindly request the media and the public to respect their wish for privacy and refrain from intruding on their private space,” said ECB in an official release.
The 25-year-old attacking English batsman made Brook, known for his aggressive batting style, made waves during the previous IPL season, not for his on-field performances, but for his staggering acquisition price.
Acquired by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for a whopping INR 13.50 crores in the previous auction, expectations were high for his maiden IPL stint. However, he failed to live up to the hype, managing just 190 runs in 11 innings at an average of 21.11 and a strike rate of 123.38.
While Brook’s absence may come as a blow to Delhi Capitals’ fans, there’s a silver lining with the return of Rishabh Pant. Pant, who missed the previous season due to injuries sustained in a road accident, is set to lead the team in IPL 2024, offering a much-needed boost to the team’s morale.