- Ben Duckett withdraws from IPL 2026 just days before the season begins
- England batter cites difficult winter and recent poor form across formats
- Delhi Capitals forced into late rethink with potential long term IPL ban looming
England batter Ben Duckett has withdrawn from the 2026 Indian Premier League in a late twist that leaves Delhi Capitals reworking their plans just days before the tournament begins.
The left-handed opener was signed for ₹2 crore and had been in line to partner KL Rahul at the top of the order. However, Duckett informed the franchise on Tuesday that he would not be joining the squad, choosing instead to step away after what he described as a deeply considered decision.
Why Ben Duckett pulled out of the IPL
In a message shared publicly in an instagram story, Duckett spoke with clear emotion about the call he has made.
“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.”
Apology to Delhi Capitals and fans
He was quick to acknowledge the impact on his team, offering a sincere apology to Delhi Capitals and their supporters.
“I would like to sincerely apologise 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.”
Duckett also extended that message directly to fans, recognising their passion and expectation ahead of the new season.
“I am sorry for any disruption my decision may cause. I would also like to apologise to all the fans as I know how much it means to everyone in Delhi.”
Ben Duckett Form slump after Ashes adds context to decision
While the withdrawal is a blow for Delhi Capitals, it reflects a player taking stock after a demanding period. Duckett endured a difficult Ashes campaign in Australia, scoring 202 runs in 10 innings at an average of 20.20, and his struggles have since carried into the white-ball formats, with just one fifty across three ODIs and a single T20I appearance for England since the series.
Duckett reflects on difficult winter
Speaking recently about that stretch, he offered a candid reflection on how quickly fortunes can change in the game.
“Everything I had done for four years was building to that moment. And this could have been the best 12 months of my life.”
He added that while there were personal highs, results on the field did not follow the script he had imagined.
“I got married in October, then hoped to win the Ashes down under, play a World Cup and win that. That was my vision at the start of the winter. The getting married bit is there, and I’m so happy about that. But after that, it couldn’t really have gone much worse.”
What next for Delhi Capitals after Ben Duckett IPL withdrawal
There may also be wider implications. Tournament rules suggest Duckett could face a suspension from future IPL editions, potentially keeping him out until 2029.
With the opening fixture approaching and Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to begin their title defence, Delhi Capitals must now adapt quickly. For Duckett, this moment may serve as a reset, offering space to regroup and return stronger as England look ahead to their next chapter on the international stage.
