England cricketer Harry Brook has pulled out of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, citing personal reasons. The destructive middle-order batter was an important part of the Delhi Capitals franchise for the upcoming season and his absence could be a huge blow to the side.
Rishabh Pant hasn’t played any competitive cricket since his fatal car accident. It won’t be easy for him to come back after such a long gap and play freely. Harry Brook withdrawing from the upcoming season only adds to their worries.
Brook was roped into the side to strengthen Delhi’s middle order. However, things could turn the same as last year if the top-order doesn’t get going. It is pertinent to note that Harry Brook had, earlier, also pulled out of the five-match Test series against India.
Brook’s absence hurt England as they lost the series 4-1. Neither ECB nor the Delhi Capitals franchise has mentioned the exact reason behind Brook’s absence but urged the fans to respect his privacy at this time.
“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,” the ECB said in January.
Harry Brook’s Replacement For IPL 2024 Not Announced
Delhi Capitals haven’t yet announced the replacement for Brook ahead of the upcoming season. They have plenty of options from the unsold list, but matching Brook’s talent would be a tough ask.
The likes of Steve Smith, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, and Kusal Mendis are some of the options that Delhi could opt for.
Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2024 season with a clash against Punjab Kings on 23rd March in Chandigarh.
Meanwhile, Brook is the second English cricketer who has pulled out of the upcoming IPL edition. Recently, KKR opener Jason Roy opted out of the tournament in a bid to take a break from relentless cricket and spend some time with his family.
KKR has named Phil Salt as a like-for-like replacement for Roy.
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