Why Ben Duckett's IPL 2026 Withdrawal is a Major Blow for Delhi Capitals

Ben Duckett has officially withdrawn from IPL 2026, a decision that poses a significant challenge for the Delhi Capitals. The England opener, who was expected to play a crucial role alongside KL Rahul, cited his international commitments and a disappointing winter as reasons for his exit. With the tournament just around the corner, the Capitals are now in search of a replacement. Duckett expressed regret over his decision but emphasized the importance of focusing on his international career. As the team gears up for their opening match against the Lucknow Super Giants, the impact of Duckett's absence looms large. Will this affect their chances in the tournament? Read on to find out more.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 24, 2026, 20:14 IST

Ben Duckett Withdraws from IPL 2026

New Delhi: In a significant development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Ben Duckett, the opener for Delhi Capitals, has opted out of the tournament. A representative from the Delhi Capitals confirmed that the England batsman has communicated his decision to withdraw from the IPL.

The source stated, “Duckett has informed us that he will not be participating this season. We are currently looking for a suitable replacement, which will be announced in due course.”

Duckett was acquired for Rs 2 crore during the auction and was anticipated to open the batting alongside KL Rahul. However, he has chosen to prioritize his international duties with England. This announcement comes just days before the tournament, posing a challenge for Delhi's preparations.

The left-handed batsman cited a disappointing winter as a key factor in his decision to skip the IPL. He managed to score only 221 runs at an average of 20.2 during the Ashes series. Although he was included in the T20 World Cup 2026 squad, he did not participate in any matches, which further influenced his choice to focus on his international career.

Duckett expressed, “This was a tough decision, and I sincerely apologize to everyone in Delhi for not being able to join. I believed it would be a fantastic opportunity when I entered the auction, and being picked by a franchise like Delhi was thrilling. The IPL is the premier competition globally, featuring the best players, and it would have been an incredible experience.”

Looking ahead, the 31-year-old acknowledged uncertainty about his future in the league. “I’m unsure if this is goodbye to the IPL, especially since I’ve never played in it. At my age, it might be challenging, but I hope to represent Delhi someday. After much consideration, I believe this is the right choice for my career,” he remarked.

The Delhi Capitals are set to kick off their IPL 2026 journey against the Lucknow Super Giants on April 1, with the match scheduled at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.