England batsman Ben Duckett has withdrawn from the Indian Premier League despite securing his first-ever IPL contract with Delhi Capitals for 2 crore rupees. The 31-year-old left-handed opener made the decision shortly before the tournament began, prioritising his prospects with the England national team over the lucrative franchise league. His late exit carries the risk of a two-year IPL ban, as the league enforces sanctions on players who pull out after registration.
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Choosing England Over IPL Glory
Duckett’s decision comes in the wake of a challenging year. He struggled during the 2025 Ashes in Australia, scoring only 202 runs across 10 innings as England suffered a 4–1 defeat. He was also included in the T20 World Cup squad but did not feature in any matches, further intensifying his determination to focus on consistent play for England. While Duckett has aspirations in all three formats, he has been inconsistent in limited-overs cricket and is especially keen to regain form in Test cricket.
To achieve this, Duckett will return to domestic cricket, representing Nottinghamshire in the County Championship. He believes that regular match practice and opportunities to score runs at the county level are essential to rebuild his confidence and secure his place in England’s Test side.
Risk of Sanctions
Withdrawing after registering with Delhi Capitals exposes Duckett to potential disciplinary action. The IPL has a precedent for penalising overseas players who withdraw at short notice, as seen when his fellow countryman Harry Brook faced a similar two-year ban in 2025. Duckett acknowledged the personal and professional risks but insisted the decision was necessary for his long-term international career.
Statement from Duckett
Speaking to The Telegraph, Duckett said:
“This was an extremely difficult decision, and I apologise to Delhi Capitals. Being selected was a tremendous honour and the IPL is one of the best competitions in the world. It would have been an incredible experience. At 31, I feel this is the right choice for my career. I hope one day to play for Delhi, but right now my focus must be on England and returning to form.”
Career Context
Over his last 28 matches, combining international and domestic cricket, Duckett has recorded only one half-century. He described the past year as a period of struggle but said the setback had reignited his determination: “Not playing in the IPL gives me a chance to prepare properly for the Test season and learn from my mistakes. County cricket will help me regain confidence and build form for England.”
| Player | Age | IPL Team | Auction Price | Withdrawal Reason | Possible Sanction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Duckett | 31 | Delhi Capitals | 2 crore INR | Focus on England & Test form | Up to 2-year ban |
| Harry Brook | 27 | Delhi Capitals | – | Last-minute withdrawal | 2-year ban |
Duckett will now concentrate on domestic cricket with Nottinghamshire, hoping that strong performances will translate into renewed international opportunities.