New Delhi, Mar 24: England opener Ben Duckett has decided to withdraw from the Indian Premier League 2026 despite being picked at the auction, choosing
instead to prioritise his international career - a move that could lead to a potential ban from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Duckett, who was signed by the Delhi Capitals for Rs 2 crore at the IPL 2026 Auction, is understood to have taken this decision to manage his workload and focus on England commitments across formats. With a packed international calendar ahead, the left-hander is keen to secure his place in the national side, particularly in Test cricket.
England Commitments Take Priority
The 29-year-old has become an important member of England's setup and is believed to be focusing on long-term consistency rather than short-term franchise appearances. His withdrawal reflects a growing trend among international players who are increasingly prioritising national duty over league participation.
In an interview with the Telegraph Sport, Duckett said, "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. "
"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," he added.
Duckett plays a key role in England's aggressive Test approach, scoring quickly and staying highly involved at the crease. In 43 Tests, the left-handed top-order batter has scored 3,074 runs at an average of 39.92, including six centuries and a highest score of 182.
Known for his attacking mindset, he famously left just eight of his first 605 balls as an opener. In T20Is, he has 527 runs in 21 matches at a strike rate of 153.20. Duckett has also impressed in domestic circuit, scoring over 1,000 runs in The Hundred and playing a key role in Nottinghamshire's 2020 T20 Blast title win.
BCCI Rules Could Trigger Ban
However, Duckett's decision could have consequences. As per IPL regulations, players who pull out after being bought at the auction without a valid reason such as injury may face a ban from future editions.
The current rule allows the BCCI to impose a three-year ban, though there have been discussions around stricter enforcement. If applied, Duckett could miss multiple IPL seasons just like his present England T20 captain Harry Brook, who has been banned by the BCCI for pulling out of the competition after getting acquired in the auction.
Setback for Delhi Capitals
Duckett's absence is a blow for Delhi Capitals, who had earmarked him as a key option in their batting lineup for IPL 2026. With the tournament approaching, the franchise may now need to look for a replacement or adjust their team combination. The Axar Patel-led side's headaches have been heightened by Duckett's decision for the team management will now have to look for the services of another cricketer, who fits the bill.
Franchise vs International Cricket Debate
The development once again highlights the ongoing conflict between franchise leagues and international cricket. While the IPL offers financial incentives and global exposure, players are increasingly mindful of workload and long-term career goals.
Duckett's call could become a talking point, especially if the BCCI decides to take strict action, potentially setting a precedent for similar cases in the future.
