NEW DELHI: For the second consecutive season, England batsman Harry Brook has withdrawn from his IPL contract with the Delhi Capitals.
"Unreservedly" apologizing to the cricket team and its fans on Sunday, Brook emphasized that playing for England is still his "priority and focus."
The 26-year-old Brook and England Test captain Ben Stokes are among the front-runners to succeed Jos Buttler as England's white-ball captain after the team was eliminated in the Champions Trophy group stage.
"I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL. I apologize unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters," Brook wrote on social media. "It is a really important time for England cricket and I want to fully commit to preparing for the upcoming series.
"In order to do this, I need time to recharge after the busiest period in my career to date. I know not everyone will understand, and I don't expect them to, but I have to do what I believe is right and playing for my country remains my priority and focus."
In June, England will begin a home Test series against India. From November to January, they will embark on the eagerly awaited Ashes trip of Australia.
After his grandmother passed away, Brook decided to withdraw from the Indian Premier League in 2024.
The Kolkata Knight Riders will meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens on March 22 to kick off this year's IPL.
