New Delhi: Ben Duckett has withdrawn from the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), opting to prioritise his commitments with England ahead of the international summer, a decision that could see him face disciplinary action under league rules.
Duckett, who was picked by Delhi Capitals for ₹2 crore at the auction, confirmed his withdrawal just days before the tournament’s start, scheduled for March 28.
Duckett cites England commitments
In a statement shared on social media, Duckett described the decision as a difficult but necessary step in his career.
“I have made the extremely difficult decision to withdraw from the IPL. I have given this a lot of thought and it has not been an easy choice,” he said.
The England batter emphasised that representing his national side remains his top priority.
“Representing England is something I have dreamed of since I was a child, and I want to give everything I can to English cricket. To do that, I need to ensure I am in the best possible place physically and mentally ahead of the summer,” he added.
Apology to Delhi Capitals and fans
Ben Duckett also issued a public apology to Delhi Capitals and their supporters, acknowledging the disruption caused by his late withdrawal.
“I would like to sincerely apologise to everyone at Delhi. I was genuinely very excited about the opportunity to represent the franchise, and I fully appreciate the time and planning that goes into building a squad,” he said.
“I would also like to apologise to all the fans as I know how much it means to everyone in Delhi,” he added.
The late timing of the decision—just four days before the tournament—has left the franchise with limited time to identify a suitable replacement.
Possible two-year ban under IPL rules
Duckett’s withdrawal could have further consequences beyond the current season. Under IPL regulations, players who pull out after registering for the auction and being picked by a franchise may face sanctions, including a potential ban from future editions.
The absence of a confirmed injury or medical reason may complicate his case, as exemptions are typically granted only under specific circumstances.
A similar situation occurred in the previous season when Harry Brook withdrew after being signed by Delhi Capitals, raising concerns about player availability and last-minute changes.
Impact on Delhi Capitals
The withdrawal is a setback for Delhi Capitals, who had included Duckett as part of their plans for the 2026 season. His ability to provide stability and versatility in the batting order made him a valuable addition to the squad.
With the tournament fast approaching, the franchise is yet to announce a replacement and is expected to explore available options in the coming days.
IPL 2026 set to begin
The 2026 IPL season is set to kick off with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28.
Duckett’s withdrawal adds to the pre-season developments, highlighting the challenges franchises face in managing player availability amid packed international schedules.
Conclusion
Ben Duckett’s decision to prioritise national duty underscores the growing tension between international cricket and franchise leagues. While his commitment to England is clear, the potential consequences under IPL rules could impact his future participation in the tournament.
As the league prepares for its new season, all eyes will be on how the authorities respond and how Delhi Capitals adapt to the late change.