Yorkshire's head coach Ottis Gibson provides update on Harry Brook after withdrawal from IPL

After the news of Harry Brook's grandmother passing away reached him, he decided to step away from the IPL and return back to England, to offer support to the grieving family. Notably, the 25-year-old was set to represent the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, after being acquired for INR 4 crore (£380,000) during December's auction held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

However, he withdrew from the tournament earlier this month following the passing of his grandmother Pauline, with whom he shared a close bond. He is yet to play any form of international cricket this year, with him opting out of the five-match Test series against India in India, citing personal reasons.

Also Read: Jaydev Unadkat to return to Sussex for final five games in County Championship

Brook will now prepare for June's T20 World Cup by representing Yorkshire in the County Championship Division Two, with their head coach Ottis Gibson indicating that he will be available from the beginning. Yorkshire's season-opener commences on April 5 at Headingley against Leicestershire. 

Gibson stated that due to Brook not being in India at the moment to participate in the marquee league, he'd like to think that the Yorkshire-born English international would be available to represent Yorkshire in their first few games at least, including the one against Leicestershire. 

"Now that Brooky isn't going to the IPL, I suspect he's going to be available for us for the first few games, including [against] Leicestershire," Gibson told the Yorkshire website.

In another noteworthy revelation, Gibson hinted that veteran batter Joe Root, who himself opted out of IPL 2024 as well, would be made available by the ECB to play some early-season fixtures for the team. He also mentioned that both of them playing for Yorkshire county would be a momentous occasion.

 "He [Brook] loves playing for us, and Rooty is also going to be available for some games in that early period," Gibson said. "Having those two playing for us would be special," Gibson added.

Also Read: 'I think he looked a little bit anxious' - Tom Moody dissects Hardik Pandya's debut outing as Mumbai Indians captain

County Championship 2024 set to commence on April 5, 2024

The prestigious County Championship, England's premier domestic red-ball domestic tournament, will kick off on the 5th of April, 2024, with this being the 124th season of the revered competition.