Delhi Capitals have announced Sediqullah Atal as their replacement for Harry Brook, two months after the new England white-ball captain withdrew from the 2025 IPL.
Sediqullah Atal replaces Harry Brook at DC
Delhi Capitals have signed Atal with just three league stage matches remaining, although they are in contention to make the play-off phase of the competition, sitting fifth in the table ahead of match 57 (KKR vs CSK). The 23-year-old Afghanistan batter impressed in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, when he hit 85 off 95 balls against Australia. He has a T20 average of 34.25.
Atal has never previously been signed by an IPL team, and will join DC for his base price of 1.25 crore. He is currently playing for Hindukush Strikers in the Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-day Tournament – Afghanistan's first-class competition – and is nine not out overnight at the end of day three.
🗣️ "It'll be a popular decision among the fans and supporters here." 🏴@markbutcher72 on Harry Brook's withdrawal from the 2025 IPL. pic.twitter.com/J5YhrxaJz7
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) March 13, 2025
His signing as a replacement for Brook, however, comes as somewhat of a surprise given that Brook withdrew from the competition before it started. Having played in England's white-ball series in India and their Champions Trophy campaign, Brook withdrew from the tournament for the second year running, and as a result could face a two-year ban from the IPL.
Shortly after Brook was named England white-ball captain, he stated that he would not play in franchise leagues during his stint in charge, saying: "England is the way forward for me and franchise cricket can almost take a step back for a little while."
Delhi Capitals will play tomorrow against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala. The first match Atal will likely be available to feature in will be their following one against Gujarat Titans on May 11.
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