Gujarat Titans’ latest addition, New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips, has voiced his support for the BCCI’s decision to ban England batter Harry Brook from participating in IPL 2025. Brook, who withdrew from the season citing personal reasons, is now ineligible for the next two editions of the tournament.
The 26-year-old cricketer was picked by Delhi Capitals at last year’s auction for Rs 6.25 crore. However, the BCCI had implemented a strict regulation after IPL 2024, following multiple instances of overseas players, including Brook, pulling out despite being signed. As a result, Brook became the first cricketer to face the consequences of this rule.
“At the end of the day, they warned people, if you come in and you decide to go, that they knew about the rules to start,” Phillips said in an interview. “If the rules weren’t there, I think it would be a bit harsh, but the rule is there.”
Phillips also shared his perspective on the widely debated Impact Player rule. While he acknowledges both its advantages and disadvantages, he believes it may influence how teams value all-rounders over time.
“I’m neither here nor there for it,” he admitted. “It definitely allows a lineup to do different things. But I do feel like there could be an issue at some stage with all-rounders losing out and not being so prevalent, which then obviously has an impact on the international game.”
He further noted that while the rule is working for now, the IPL has a history of adapting to changing conditions and could introduce new rules to maintain the excitement of the tournament. “So, obviously, the Impact Player rule is working at the moment, but then they could very well have another rule that comes in and go off with the Impact Player rule and bring another entertainment element into the game,” he added.
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