Former England national cricket team captain Michael Vaughan has supported the BCCI’s decision to impose a two-year ban on England’s Harry Brook after he pulled out of the 2025 IPL season despite being signed by Delhi Capitals (DC) for ₹6.25 crore. Vaughan believes the rule was clear and players must respect their commitments.

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This is the second consecutive year that Brook has opted out of the IPL. In 2024 he withdrew following the passing of his grandmother. However ahead of IPL 2025 he pulled out to focus on international cricket leading to BCCI's strict action. The board had already introduced a rule stating that players who withdraw after being picked in the auction will face a two-year IPL ban.

Speaking on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast, Vaughan made his stance clear:

“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 also hinted that Brook might be in line for a future England white-ball captaincy role which could explain his focus on international cricket.

“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,” added Vaughan.