Ben Duckett Withdraws From IPL 2026, Apologizes to Delhi Capitals England batter Ben Duckett has withdrawn from the Indian Premier League 2026, informing Delhi Capitals of his decision on Tuesday. The player, who was acquired for Rs 2 crore at the auction, had been expected to open the batting alongside KL Rahul but has opted out of the tournament. His exit could result in a ban from participating in the IPL until the 2029 edition, meaning he will be ineligible for the next two player auctions and the 2027 and 2028 seasons. In a statement shared on Instagram, Duckett explained his decision, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his preparation for international cricket. "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 wrote. Duckett highlighted his commitment to representing England, stating that he needs to ensure he is in the best physical and mental condition ahead of the upcoming summer series. The 28-year-old player apologized to Delhi Capitals for the disruption his decision may cause, expressing regret over not being able to contribute to the team. "I would like to sincerely apologize 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. He also extended his apologies to fans, acknowledging the significance of the IPL to supporters in Delhi. Duckett’s withdrawal follows his recent performance in the Ashes series, where he scored 202 runs in 10 innings at an average of 20.20. His decision to step away from the IPL underscores the challenges players face in balancing domestic and international commitments, particularly as the cricket calendar becomes increasingly demanding.#ipl_2026 #delhi_capitals #ashes_series #ben_duckett #kl_rahul
Brendon McCullum will remain as England's head coach after the ECB confirmed his position following the Ashes review. The decision comes despite criticism over his leadership during the recent 4-1 loss to Australia, which was compounded by off-field controversies. McCullum, 44, will continue in his role as the team prepares for the 2027 home Ashes series. McCullum addressed the scrutiny in a recent interview with Sky Sports, expressing his commitment to the role. "I love the job. It's a great job. It doesn't come without its challenges, of course, but that is the nature of it," he said. He highlighted the progress made with the team across all formats but emphasized the need for continued improvement. "I would love to carry on, so we will see what unfolds over the next little while," he added, noting his focus on rest and reflection after an extended period on the road. The England and Wales Cricket Board is still conducting a formal review of the team's performance in Australia, but McCullum has been granted time to assess both the successes and shortcomings of his tenure. He expressed confidence in leading the team forward, stating, "I would love to help lead the team through to the next stage." Support for McCullum has also come from white-ball captain Harry Brook, who praised his leadership and impact on English cricket. Brook, who was appointed limited-overs captain by McCullum, acknowledged the challenges faced by both himself and the coach in recent months. "He's the best head coach I've ever had," Brook said. "The way he speaks to everybody, he's got an aura in the dressing room. Everybody looks up to him." Brook also highlighted McCullum's influence as a player and his transition to coaching, noting how his leadership has transformed English cricket.#harry_brook #brendon_mccullum #england_and_wales_cricket_board #ashes_series #ecb_review
