Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has supported the two-year ban imposed on Harry Brook after the batter withdrew from IPL 2025. Brook, who was bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹6.25 crore in the 2024 auction, pulled out just days before the season, citing the need to recharge after an intense schedule.
As per IPL regulations, any overseas player who withdraws after being picked in the auction—without an injury or a valid medical condition—faces a two-season ban from the tournament.
Moeen Ali’s Take on the Ban
Speaking on the Beard Before Cricket podcast, Moeen Ali said he agreed with the decision, highlighting how last-minute withdrawals disrupt team planning.
“It’s not [harsh] though, I kinda agree with it. A lot of people do that [withdrawing]. People have done it in the past, and then they come back in and end up getting a better financial package or whatever it is. It kinda messes up a lot of things as well at the same time,” Moeen said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
He further emphasized how Delhi Capitals now have to restructure their squad, stating:
“It’s messed his team up, him pulling him out. Any team that loses Harry Brook is messed up a bit, and they’ve got to now rejig everything. If you do pull out, the rule is you get a ban, unless it’s a family reason or injury.”
New IPL Rule to Prevent Last-Minute Withdrawals
The two-year ban rule was implemented before the 2025 Mega Auction, following repeated instances of overseas players, particularly from England, pulling out at the last moment. IPL franchises were reportedly frustrated with such situations in previous seasons.
According to a note sent to franchises last September, the IPL governing council stated:
“Any [overseas] player who registers for [an] auction and, after getting picked at the auction, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season will get banned from participating in the IPL/IPL auction for two seasons.”
The only exceptions to this rule are injuries or medical conditions, which must be verified by the player’s home board.
With Brook banned from IPL until 2027, the impact of this rule will be closely watched in the coming seasons.