Two-year ban, zero earnings: The cost of Ben Duckett's IPL pullout English opener Ben Duckett’s decision to withdraw from the Indian Premier League 2026 has triggered a potential two-year ban under league rules, marking a significant setback for the England batter. Duckett, who was signed by Delhi Capitals for Rs 2 crore in the auction, announced his withdrawal on Tuesday, citing his commitment to representing England and managing his physical and mental workload ahead of the international season. The move has placed him in a category of players who withdraw without an injury replacement clause, prompting disciplinary action from the IPL. Under existing regulations, such a withdrawal could result in a ban from participating in the next two seasons. If enforced, Duckett would miss IPL 2026 and be barred from entering player auctions for IPL 2027 and 2028, effectively excluding him from the league until 2029. This penalty follows a franchise vote last year to penalize overseas players who pull out of contracts at short notice. Duckett’s England teammate Harry Brook is already serving a similar ban after withdrawing from his Delhi Capitals deal before the 2025 season. The impact of Duckett’s decision extends beyond the ban. Missing multiple IPL cycles means losing access to one of the highest-paying T20 leagues, reduced exposure in franchise cricket, and fewer opportunities to build a global T20 profile. For a player at a crucial stage of his career, the absence from the IPL could hinder his development and earnings. In a statement, Duckett acknowledged the difficulty of his decision, emphasizing his focus on England’s cricketing ambitions. “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.#ipl_2026 #indian_premier_league #delhi_capitals #ben_duckett #ipl_2027
Two England Players Refuse IPL Contracts. Report Makes Stunning Claim The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is facing significant challenges as multiple franchises grapple with player injuries ahead of the 19th edition. Reports indicate that several key players are expected to miss the tournament, with some unable to participate in the early stages due to ongoing medical issues. In an effort to address the talent gap, IPL franchises reportedly approached two England-based cricketers, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue, to serve as replacements. However, both players declined the offers, according to a recent report. The Telegraph highlighted that Smith and Tongue were sought by IPL teams to fill voids left by injured squad members. Despite their potential, neither player was signed during the IPL 2026 auction, where Smith’s base price was set at Rs 2 crore and Tongue’s at Rs 1 crore. Their refusal to join the league adds to the growing list of high-profile absences, further complicating the tournament’s preparations. The situation has also impacted England’s domestic cricket plans. Ben Duckett, a batter who was purchased by Delhi Capitals for Rs 2 crore during the IPL 2026 auction, has withdrawn from his contract to prioritize his readiness for England’s home summer schedule. Duckett, who has never played in the IPL, cited the need to focus on physical and mental preparation for upcoming Tests against New Zealand and Pakistan. His decision comes as England prepares to host India in a series of T20Is and ODIs in July. In a social media post, Duckett expressed regret for the disruption caused by his withdrawal, acknowledging the disappointment of Delhi Capitals fans.#indian_premier_league #delhi_capitals #ben_duckett #jamie_smith #josh_tongue
Ben Duckett pulls out of Indian Premier League 2026, faces ban until 2029 England opener Ben Duckett has withdrawn from the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season to prioritize his international career, a decision he described as “difficult” but necessary for his long-term development. The left-handed batter, who was acquired by Delhi Capitals for Rs 2 crore at the 2025 auction, confirmed his exit, stating it was the right choice despite the opportunity to play in the world’s premier T20 tournament. His withdrawal means he will be ineligible to participate in the IPL until 2029, as the BCCI has imposed a two-season ban on players who opt out without a valid reason. Duckett expressed regret over leaving Delhi Capitals, acknowledging the franchise’s decision to sign him as a significant milestone in his career. “It was a very difficult decision, and I want to apologize to everyone at Delhi that I won’t be coming,” he said. “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. It’s the best competition in the world with the best players, and would have been an amazing experience.” He also hinted at the possibility of returning to the IPL in the future, though he admitted the challenge of competing at 31. The move follows a pattern of England players opting out of the IPL after being auctioned. Harry Brook, the England white-ball captain, withdrew from the 2025 IPL after being bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 6.25 crore in the 2024 auction, leading to a two-season ban. Duckett’s exit opens the door for either Pathum Nissanka or Prithvi Shaw to partner KL Rahul at the top of Delhi Capitals’ batting order in the upcoming season. Duckett attributed his decision to a combination of personal growth and professional focus.#bcci #indian_premier_league #delhi_capitals #ben_duckett #pathum_nissanka
Ben Duckett pulls out of IPL 2026, apologises to Delhi Capitals, faces 2-year ban Ben Duckett has withdrawn from the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, citing his commitment to representing England in international cricket. The English all-rounder, who was signed by Delhi Capitals during the IPL auction, issued an apology to the franchise for his decision. The move has raised questions about potential consequences under IPL rules, as players are typically expected to commit to their teams once selected. Duckett’s departure comes after he was picked by Delhi Capitals in the auction, which took place earlier this month. The franchise had expressed disappointment at his withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of player loyalty and team planning. A Delhi Capitals spokesperson stated that the team had invested significant resources in preparing for the season and was now left to navigate the situation without his contributions. The IPL governing body has not yet confirmed whether Duckett will face disciplinary action. However, league rules stipulate that players who withdraw after being signed may be subject to penalties, including financial fines or bans from future auctions. A two-year ban, as mentioned in some reports, would effectively rule Duckett out of the IPL for the next two seasons, though the exact repercussions depend on the league’s investigation. Duckett’s decision has sparked discussions about the challenges of balancing international commitments with domestic leagues. Cricket analysts noted that players often face difficult choices when their national team duties conflict with club obligations, particularly in a format like the IPL where teams rely heavily on their squad’s consistency.#ipl_2026 #delhi_capitals #ben_duckett #ipl_governing_body #ipl_auction
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
