Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali believes the BCCI’s decision to ban Harry Brook for two years due to his last-minute IPL withdrawal is fair.
Brook, who was signed by Delhi Capitals for ₹6.25 crore in the 2025 IPL auction, pulled out ahead of the tournament’s start on March 22, marking his second consecutive withdrawal from the league.
“It’s not harsh, I kinda agree with it,” Moeen said on the Beard Before Cricket podcast when asked if the ban was excessive.
“A lot of players do this—pulling out and then returning later to get a better deal. It messes up team plans,” he added.
The 26-year-old batter is now ineligible to play in the IPL or participate in future auctions until 2027. As per the league’s updated rules, any overseas player who withdraws after being picked at the auction faces a two-year ban unless the reason is an injury or a family emergency.
“His withdrawal has disrupted Delhi Capitals. Losing a player like Brook forces the team to rethink their strategy,” Moeen said. “The rule is clear—if you pull out without a valid reason, you get banned. If it’s an injury, that’s different, but otherwise, I agree with the policy.”
Brook had previously skipped the 2024 IPL season following the passing of his grandmother.
The IPL 2025 season kicks off on March 22, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens.
