Image Credit- ICC
Harry Brook, an England player who was selected second
overall by the Melbourne Stars in the overseas draught, has decided to withdraw
from the BBL due to his increased international obligations. This decision is a
blow to the league.
Though Brook was added to England’s T20I and ODI
squads for the white-ball tour of the Caribbean in December, Stars had taken
him knowing he would miss the latter part of the tournament due to England’s
Test visit of India.
Between those two engagements, they had thought that
Brook would be available for seven games; but, because of his schedule, Brook
has withdrawn from the competition.
“Naturally we’re disappointed that Harry has
withdrawn from the BBL but we understand his decision with his increased
workload,” Melbourne Stars General Manager Blair Crouch said.
“Given Harry was set to miss the opening 3
matches, the club had already signed a replacement player for that period.
“Currently the coaching staff and list management
team are discussing options for the remainder of the tournament and we look
forward to announcing those signings once they have been finalised.”
After Melbourne Renegades No. 1 pick Liam Livingstone
withdrew from the event last year, it is the second year in a row that one of
the top two picks in the overseas draught has pulled out of the competition.
The Stars won’t be the only team impacted by that
series; the tour, which runs from December 4 to December 21, will see Sydney
Sixers pick Rehan Ahmed in both the ODI and T20I squads, and Perth Scorchers
pick Zak Crawley added to England’s ODI squad. Both will probably be included
in England’s January Test team for India.
The BBL begins on December 7 and finishes on January
24.