Cricketers who were close to playing IPL but opted out at last moment

Glenn Maxwell (Photo Source – IPL)

Started in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has turned out to be Cricket’s biggest T20 league. The legacy of the league is providing a platform for the youngsters to prove themselves against the best players in the world. Some of the best Indian players in recent times, like Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah, have been shaped up in the IPL.

Players from all parts of the world wish to be a part of the league, as the best players are a part of the tournament, and the contracts can fetch colossal amounts of money to be a part of the teams for a few months. Not many players would want to miss being a part of the cash-rich league. However, there are instances where some of the players are forced to opt out due to different reasons.

Here are the five cricketers who were close to playing in the IPL but opted out at the last moment:

5. Mark Wood in 2021 (To spend time with his family)

Mark Wood was one of the most sought-after bowlers during the IPL 2021. As the dates neared for the auctions, the express pacer registered his name for the league at the base price of INR 2 crores. However, even before the auction commenced, the right-arm pacer withdrew his name from the list of players to go under the hammer.

The English pacer claimed he wanted to spend some time with his family during the tough times. Wood claimed to have thought a lot about his decision and claimed it was difficult for him to ignore the money he could’ve made by playing the league. However, keeping in mind the Test series against India and the T20 World Cup, Wood pulled out.

4. Suresh Raina in 2020 (Due to personal tragedy and bio bubble concerns)

Suresh Raina had one of the challenging times in his personal life in 2020. His extended family members were attacked, which forced him to leave the CSK bio bubble in the UAE. CSK allowed their star player to take care of his family members in the difficult times. Some reports also claimed him to be concerned with the bio bubble restrictions.

The Southpaw was retained by CSK ahead of the IPL 2020 season. It happened before the lockdown and other restrictions were announced in India. Despite the challenges, Raina had flown with CSK to the UAE. During the challenging times, the former CSK player felt the need to be with his family members.

3. Jasprit Bumrah in 2023 (Due to back spasms)

Jasprit Bumrah suffered the worst injury of his career in 2022. In August, the right-arm pacer picked up a back injury, which ruled him out of the Asia Cup 2022. A few weeks later, the star pacer returned to action, hoping to get some match time before the T20 World Cup 2022. It further led to Bumrah’s increased back spasms.

As a result, Jasprit was ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2022. The pain grew severe, which eventually led to him being ruled out of the IPL 2023 as well. The world class pacer returned to action only in August 2023 and took part in major tournaments like the Asia Cup 2023 and the ODI World Cup 2023.

Also Check: 5 bowlers who can win Purple Cap in IPL 2025

2. Glenn Maxwell in 2019 (Owing to Mental Health Issues)

Glenn Maxwell pulling out of the IPL 2019 came as a shock to many. The star player announced that he was going through mental health issues and declared himself unavailable to play all forms of cricket for an indefinite time. As a result, the star All-rounder withdrew his name from the league after announcing his name for the auction.

In the later years, Maxwell claimed it to be an easy decision to make. He urged his fellow teammates, friends, and cricket colleagues not to hesitate to speak about mental health issues if they had any. Maxwell did not have a good season in 2018 with Delhi Capitals and was picked by Punjab Kings in the IPL 2020.

1. Harry Brook in 2025 (For prioritizing his National Team over the IPL Team)

Harry Brook opted out of the IPL 2024 due to the death of his grandmother. However, Brook decided to opt out of the IPL 2025 as well, even after getting picked by Delhi Capitals in the auctions for a price of INR 6.25 crores. The English star claimed his National commitments to be the reason behind his decision.

The fact that Brook decided to register his name for the auctions and pulled out after getting picked did not go well with the BCCI. As per the board’s new rules, the emerging star has been banned from playing the IPL for two years. Brook’s decision and BCCI’s actions have received mixed opinions from the fans and the experts.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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alison richard

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