Harry Brook Withdraws from IPL 2024 Due to Family Tragedy

England cricketer Harry Brook has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season following a family tragedy. Brook, who had earlier withdrawn from England’s Test tour in India in January due to personal reasons, revealed that the underlying cause for his absence during the tour was his grandmother’s illness and her limited time left.

Brook, who was set to join the Delhi Capitals for the IPL season after being secured by the franchise for INR 4 crore, expressed his excitement about joining the team but stated that he had to make the difficult decision not to play in the tournament.

“I was so excited to be picked by Delhi Capitals and was so looking forward to joining up with everyone. Whilst I don’t think I should need to share my personal reasons behind this decision, I know there will be many asking why. So, I do want to share this,” Brook wrote in a post across his official social media profiles.

“I lost my grandmother last month — she was a rock to me and I spent a huge amount of my childhood in her home; my attitude to life and love for cricket was shaped by her and my late grandfather.”

Brook had withdrawn from the England squad before the five-Test series against India, citing personal reasons. He revealed that he made the decision to leave the tour after being informed that his grandmother was ill and didn’t have much time left.

“Now that she has passed my family & I are grieving and I need to be around them. Over the last few years, I have learned to prioritize my mental well-being and that of my family’s, honestly nothing is more important to me than family,” Brook added.

The Delhi Capitals, who will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against the Punjab Kings on March 23, are yet to announce a replacement player for Brook. Despite his withdrawal, the team’s focus remains on the return of star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who is making a comeback to competitive cricket after more than 14 months following a near-fatal car accident in December 2022. Pant was declared fit by the NCA earlier this month, clearing his path for a return to action in the IPL.

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