England batter Harry Brook will not feature at the 2024 Indian Premier League, after pulling out of the tournament following the death of his grandmother. The 25-year-old has described her as his “rock”. He also missed the recent Test tour of India, having been told she was terminally ill. He says he needs to prioritize his mental health. “Whilst I don’t think I should need to share my personal reasons behind this decision, I know there will be many asking why,” wrote harry in a statement on X. “So I do want to share this.
The England batter was due to represent the Delhi Capitals at the tournament, having been bought for £380,000 at the auction in December. However, he says he needs to prioritize his “grieving” family following her passing.
“My family and I are grieving, and I need to be around them. Over the last few years I have learned to prioritize my mental wellbeing and that of my family’s, honestly nothing is more important to me than family.
“So whilst this may come as surprising to some, I know it’s the right decision for me. I’m young and hope to have many, many more years of cricket to come which I intend to make the absolute most of.”
Brook also missed England’s recent Test tour of India, withdrawing from the series just days before it was due to begin for personal reasons.
The 25-year-old has now revealed that he returned to the UK after being told his grandmother was terminally ill.
“She was a rock to me and I spent a huge amount of my childhood in her home,” he added.
“My attitude to life and love for cricket was shaped by her and my late grandfather. “I couldn’t be more grateful for the support I have received, especially from the ECB and Delhi Capitals, thank you.”
The IPL is due to get underway on March 22, when defending champions the Chennai Super Kings face Royal Challengers Bangalore. Brook made his debut at the tournament last year, where he represented the Sunrisers Hyderabad, for whom he blitzed an astonishing century against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
The Capitals will now have a chance to sign an overseas replacement for the 2024 event following his withdrawal.
Get news, handpicked just for you, in your box.
