They expected him to be available for seven games between those two games, but Brook withdrew from the tournament due to workload.
“Naturally, we are disappointed that Harry has retired from the BBL, but we understand his decision considering his increased workload,” Melbourne Stars general manager Blair Crouch said.
“Given that Harry would miss the first three matches, the club had already signed a replacement player for that period.
“The coaching staff and roster management team are currently discussing options for the remainder of the tournament and we look forward to announcing those signings once they have been finalized.”
It is the second year in a row that one of the top two picks in the overseas draft has withdrawn from the tournament after Liam Livingstone withdrew last year after being the Melbourne Renegades’ first pick in the inaugural overseas draft.
The BBL starts on December 7 and ends on January 24.
