Brook withdraws from IPL following grandmother's death

Harry Brook has made the “difficult decision” to pull out of this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) following the death of his grandmother.

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 prioritise 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 prioritise 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.

“When at home, there would hardly be a day go by that didn’t include seeing her. It makes me so happy that she was able to see me play cricket for England.

“I’m proud that she could collect some of the awards I have won over the last couple of years when I couldn’t be there and I know she enjoyed doing that.

“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.