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
