Delhi Capitals Player Ben Duckett Withdraws From IPL 2026 To Prioritize England

Ben Duckett has withdrawn from IPL 2026, leaving Delhi Capitals to rethink their opening combination while he prioritizes his international career.

England opener Ben Duckett has decided to pull out of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League, choosing to focus on his international career. The left-handed batter was picked up by Delhi Capitals for Rs 2 crore during the 2025 auction.

Duckett acknowledged that the call was not easy but insisted it aligns with his long-term professional goals.

“It was a very difficult decision, and I want to apologise to everyone at Delhi that I won’t be coming. I felt it was going to be a great opportunity when I put myself in the auction, and for a franchise like Delhi to pick me up was amazing. I was buzzing. It’s the best competition in the world with the best players, and would have been an amazing experience.”

Ban Implications for Ben Duckett

As per rules introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India ahead of IPL 2025, any player who withdraws after being signed at the auction—without a valid reason—faces a ban from the league. Duckett’s decision will now make him ineligible to participate in the IPL until 2029.

Reflecting on what this could mean for his future in the league, Duckett admitted uncertainty about whether he would get another opportunity.

“I don’t know if I’m potentially saying goodbye to the IPL, having never played in it. With the age I am now [31], it might be tough for me, but I hope one day I’m able to represent Delhi. But I’ve thought a lot about this, and know it’s the right decision for my career,” Duckett told The Telegraph.

He is not alone in taking such a step. England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook had also withdrawn before the 2025 season after being signed by Delhi Capitals, which similarly resulted in a suspension.

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With Duckett no longer available, Delhi Capitals must rethink their opening combination for IPL 2026. The franchise now has the option of pairing KL Rahul with either Pathum Nissanka or Prithvi Shaw at the top of the order.