Ben Duckett decides to skip IPL 2026 to focus on Test cricket
Shortly after confirmation that KL Rahul will take up the role of opening batter for the Delhi Capitals in the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), England’s dynamic left-hander Ben Duckett has opted to withdraw from the tournament, which is set to begin on March 28. Duckett stated that his decision is driven by a desire to prioritize his international commitments, particularly at a time when he is striving to regain form and consistency at the highest level. Leading into the IPL season, Duckett featured in England’s high-profile The Ashes tour in Australia. However, the challenging conditions proved difficult for the opener, as he struggled to make a significant impact.
Ben Duckett set to prioritize Test cricket ahead of IPL 2026
Over the course of ten innings, he managed to score just 202 runs at an average of 20.2, reflecting a series where England endured a disappointing 4-1 defeat. With England’s home summer scheduled to begin in June with a Test series against New Zealand, Duckett is now fully focused on rediscovering his rhythm. His aim will be to return to peak form and secure his place as a reliable contributor in the national setup.
"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. Representing England is something I have dreamed of since I was a child, and I want to give everything I can to English cricket. To do that, I need to ensure I am in the best possible place physically and mentally ahead of the summer," Ben Duckett wrote on his Instagram Story.
"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. 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," he added.
Ben Duckett had been set to experience the Indian Premier League for the very first time after being picked up for INR 2 crore (approximately £160,000) during the December auction. Despite the opportunity, his place in the playing XI was far from certain. With Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka also in contention for an overseas slot, team combinations remained flexible, making Duckett’s role in the squad uncertain. In light of this, and with a stronger desire to regain form and focus on his red-ball commitments, Duckett chose to withdraw from the tournament. Instead, he will turn out for Nottinghamshire in the opening phase of the County Championship season, aiming to build momentum in familiar conditions.
However, this late withdrawal may come with significant consequences. Reports suggest that Duckett could face a two-year ban from the IPL, following a decision by franchises last year to take strict action against overseas players pulling out at the last moment. Interestingly, his England teammate Harry Brook is already serving a similar suspension after backing out of his contract with Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2025 season, highlighting the league’s firm stance on such decisions.
Ben Duckett was widely regarded as one of the world’s most promising all-format openers following England’s hard-fought Test series against India last summer. His performances during that phase showcased confidence, adaptability, and consistency across conditions, earning him significant praise in international cricket circles. However, his form has seen a sharp decline since then, raising concerns about his current rhythm at the crease.
Since the beginning of The Hundred last August, Duckett has struggled to convert starts into meaningful scores. Across 28 innings in both domestic and international cricket, he has managed to register only a single half-century, reflecting an extended lean patch. His difficulties were further highlighted during England’s tour of Australia in The Ashes, where he scored just 202 runs in ten innings, as England went on to suffer a 4-1 series defeat.
