The debate on the ‘IPL commitments vs International Duties’ topic gets intensified as Ben Duckett pulls himself out of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026).
His decision to quit the league came just a few days before the opening match of the IPL 2026 season. This season, the league is scheduled to start from March 28, and Ben Duckett’s news of withdrawal from the IPL 2026 came on the evening of March 24.
Why Ben Duckett decided to skip IPL 2026?
The England opener was about to play for the Delhi Capitals (DC). But now, with only four days in hand before the opening of the league, DC is in a challenging situation. According to reports, Duckett chose not to play IPL to prioritise his international career.
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This sudden act can result in a three-year ban. BCCI can impose a three-year ban on the batter from participating in the league. Another England international, Harry Brook, who is now the white-ball captain of the team, also got a 3 years ban from the board for the same reason.
“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 physical and mental condition ahead of the summer. I would like to sincerely apologise to everyone in Delhi. I am sorry for any disruption my decision may cause,” Ben Duckett said in a formal statement, apologising to the Delhi Capitals fans and the mamanagement.
Delhi Capitals invested INR 2 crore in the auction to sign in the English batter, who is one of the attacking batters in England’s ‘Bazzball’ era. The franchise also secured the service of Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka, who is another opener, to bolster the batting department. For an opening slot, KL Rahul is also there with the team who batted brilliantly as an opener in IPL 2025.
Ben Duckett told that he thought a lot before saying good bye to Delhi and the Indian Premier League. After this, he makes himself unsure for the franchise league even in the future.
“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.
According to news reports, With this decision, Duckett will be banned from putting his name in the next two player auctions and cannot feature in IPL 2027 and 2028. By then, he will be well over 30.
England will next play against New Zealand in a home series from June 4. For the Test team, ECB can name Ben Duckett in the squad to face the Balckcaps as he has been a regular batter in the Test team of England.
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