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RCB (Source: AP)
England white-ball captain Harry Brook and all-rounder Jacob Bethell have been in the news again. It is important to mention that Jacob Bethell is part of the IPL 2026. On the other hand, Harry Brook, the England batter, will not participate in the IPL 2026 season and faces a two-year ban from the tournament.
The ban follows a new BCCI rule penalising players who withdraw after being picked in the auction without a medical reason, as Harry Brook withdrew for the second consecutive year.
Both players have now received fresh attention after escaping with a warning following an investigation into an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand late last year.
Brook, who had initially said he was alone in the incident, later admitted he had lied to protect his teammates.
What was the England's nightclub incident?
It is important to note that the incident took place in Wellington on the eve of an ODI on November 1. Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell and fast bowler Josh Tongue were out late at night when Brook was denied entry into a nightclub.
A confrontation followed, during which Brook was struck by a bouncer. Initially, Brook claimed that he had been alone at the time. However, in January, he admitted that Bethell and Josh Tongue were also present and that he had deliberately withheld that information.
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The situation drew criticism, raising concerns about discipline and professionalism within the England camp. There were even discussions about stripping Brook of the captaincy, though that step was not taken.
Fresh statement on Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell
The matter was referred to the Cricket Regulator, an independent body responsible for maintaining discipline in English cricket. After reviewing the case, the panel concluded that both Brook and Jacob Bethell had breached professional conduct rules.
“As a consequence of those investigations, the Regulator has issued a caution notice to Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell in relation to their conduct during that night,” a Cricket Regulator statement read.
In a significant development, both players were issued caution notices. These serve as formal warnings and will remain on their disciplinary records for the next three years.
No action was taken against Josh Tongue, as he was not part of the official ODI squad at the time, even though he had been training with the team.
“No further action is to be taken by the Regulator in relation to Josh Tongue,” the Cricket Regulator said.
The England management, led by managing director Rob Key, has since taken steps to tighten discipline, including introducing a midnight curfew during tours.
Jacob Bethell in IPL 2026
It is important to note that Bethell has now shifted focus to the IPL 2026 season. The young all-rounder has been retained by RCB for INR 2.6 crore.
Bethell enters the tournament on the back of strong performances, including an impressive T20 World Cup campaign.
RCB have already made a strong start to their season, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in their opening match. Contributions from Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal and captain Rajat Patidar powered a successful chase.
However, Bethell faces competition for a spot in the playing XI due to RCB’s strong overseas lineup, including players like Phil Salt. Team management may need to make tough decisions to fit him into the side.
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