England batter Harry Brook has pulled out of the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24. The 24-year-old was set to play only seven matches for the Stars in the 2023-24 edition of the T20 tournament, missing the first three due to international commitments.
Brook, who was the second pick for the side in the BBL’s overseas draft, was set to join the team after England’s series against India, but inclusion in England’s white-ball squads for the Caribbean tour, set to take place in December, forced him to pull out of the tournament.
“Naturally we’re disappointed that Harry has withdrawn from the BBL, but we understand his decision with his increased workload,” Melbourne Stars General Manager Blair Crouch said. “We extremely rate Harry extremely highly and we would have loved to have seen him at the MCG alongside Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis,” he further added.
The Stars also wished Brook for his international commitments adding that they will soon announce the replacement. “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,” Blair Crouch added.
The Melbourne Stars will open the BBL 2023-24 season against Brisbane Heat on December 7, 2023, at the Brisbane Cricket Ground.