With four days left to go, the England opener Ben Duckett pulled out from the 2026 Indian Premier League. Delhi Capitals had signed Duckett for INR 2 crores in the IPL Mini auction 2025. However, DC later signed Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka, which does not provide an assured spot for Duckett as an opener. 

 

Speaking to the Telegraph, Duckett apologized to Delhi Capitals for his last-moment decision. He even said that he was pumped up for the season. But given his age, he sounded realistic even though he is hopeful to play for DC someday. Duckett said,

 

"It was a very difficult decision, and I want to apologise to everyone at Delhi that I won't be coming. 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. I was buzzing. It's the best competition in the world with the best players, and would have been an amazing experience."

 

He added,

 

"I don't know if I'm potentially saying goodbye to the IPL, having never played in it. With the age I am now [31], it might be tough for me, but I hope one day I'm able to represent Delhi. But I've thought a lot about this, and know it's the right decision for my career."

 

Read also: 'I F*****G Love Cricket': Ben Stokes Shares Emotional Message After Ashes Loss, Confirms Captaincy Future

 

What is Duckett's future plan?

 

Ben Duckett confirmed that he will be joining Nottinghamshire for the County Championship. However, he will play the initial few matches. Duckett accepted that he is looking to spend some more time with his new family and is also in search of his lost form. He said,

 

I've made this decision on my own accord. I've spent a lot of time away from home in different places, and it felt like the best thing for me to do to be ready to play for England is to be here right now, at home, refreshing my mind and body. More importantly, play some four-day cricket for Notts, and try to find that form I had last summer.

 

"I could have gone to the IPL, spent time on the sidelines, then rushed back into the Test summer. I wouldn't have time to process the winter, learn from mistakes, and go back to the drawing board with Notts."

 

Despite being one of the top all-format openers, Duckett didn't enjoy the glory since the last summer since they drew the Anderson-Tendulkar series. His struggle in the last Ashes, and even in the domestic seasons, including leagues. 

 

Duckett clarified that he is currently more dedicated to England in all three formats. He will be training at the Nottinghamshire camp with the head coach Peter Moores.

 

What are the consequences, Ben Duckett might face?

 

Unfortunately, Delhi Capitals faced a similar situation when the other England player, Harry Brook, withdrew in 2025 after being bought in the auction. As per the new rules started in 2024, any overseas player signed in the auction by a franchise will suffer a two-year ban in the IPL if they quit without a valid medical reason.

 

Brook thus suffered a ban that was valid in 2025 and 2026. In that case, Duckett might undergo the same- a ban of two years from the Indian Premier League.