Michael Vaughan Backs BCCI’s Ban on Harry Brook: ‘Rules Are Rules, He’s Not Injured’

Michael Vaughan Backs BCCI’s Ban on Harry Brook: Former captain of England, Michael Vaughan, was in favor of the decision by BCCI to bar Harry Brook for the next two seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL) following the English batsman's withdrawal from the tournament this year. Brook is rumored to be the next white-ball captain for England and had picked by Delhi Capitals for INR 6.25 crore in the mega auction. But he has decided to pull out of the tournament again-this time marking the second consecutive year he won't turn up after getting picked in the auction.

Vaughan mentioned that players knew the rules well ahead of time. He also supported BCCI as a franchise's plans derail once a player backs out at the last minute.

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"I think they are right. You put yourself forward. The rules were the rules. They announced them at the end of last year's IPL. Put yourself into the auction, you say yes, and then you pull yourself out for nothing. He's not injured, he just had a feeling that he just didn't want to get over there to play in the IPL. He's going to stay in the UK," Vaughan said on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast.

"I get a feeling he's probably going to be the white-ball captain for England down the line, so he just wants to focus his attention on England, which all the England fans would be happy with, but I think the IPL had to bring something in because it does derail the franchises in the piece. I don't think he's been replaced yet," he added.

What did Harry Brook say in his statement?

Harry Book pulled out to spend time with his family after his grandmother passed away last year. Earlier this month, the right-hander had put a statement on Instagram, affirming his decision not to take part in IPL, owing to prioritizing England.

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"I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL. I apologise unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters," Brook said in a statement.

"It is a really important time for England cricket, and I want to fully commit to preparing for the upcoming series. "I'm resigned to the fact that I will need time for proper recuperation after the most busy period in my career so far."

The BCCI then moved to inform the player and also the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regarding the decision of Brook not to participate in both the 2026 and 2027 editions of the IPL.

"An official communication has been sent to ECB and Brook about BCCI banning him for two years as per its policy which was informed to each player before they registered their name for IPL auction last year. It's a policy set by the board and each player has to oblige to it," Indian Express quoted a BCCI official as saying.

Harry Brook's IPL debut came in the 2023 season for Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he played 11 matches and scored 190 runs.

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