Ben Duckett Fined for Speeding Ahead of IPL Withdrawal
Ben Duckett's Speeding Incident
Ben Duckett, the opening batsman for England, has been fined £700 for driving at 93 mph while en route to a match. This incident occurred shortly after he opted out of the current Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Duckett was acquired by the Delhi Capitals for ₹2 crore during the IPL 2026 auction held last December, but he has yet to play in the tournament.
The 31-year-old cricketer was caught speeding on the A50 near Stoke in Staffordshire, where a police speed gun recorded his speed. This event took place just hours before he played a crucial role in Birmingham Phoenix's victory over Manchester Originals at Old Trafford. Footage released by Staffordshire Police showed Duckett driving aggressively along the busy road.
After being informed of the charges, Duckett pleaded guilty in September when authorities opted for a criminal prosecution rather than an out-of-court settlement. As a result, he now faces four penalty points on his driving license, a £700 fine, and additional costs totaling £400.
In a bid to secure his position in the England Test team, Duckett withdrew from the IPL, which means he will be ineligible to participate until 2029, losing out on his ₹2 crore contract with the Delhi Capitals. Instead, he plans to play for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship to regain his form and confidence following a difficult winter.
Duckett's recent challenges include a disappointing Ashes series, missing out on the T20 World Cup, and facing backlash for being filmed intoxicated during England's break in Noosa. He is expected to spend significant time refining his skills under the guidance of Nottinghamshire and former England coach Peter Moores.
Rob Key, the managing director, has indicated that England will adopt a more stringent selection process following the Ashes review. Duckett, a key figure in England's Bazball era, is currently under increased scrutiny as he leads the Test batting order.
Earlier, Duckett remarked, "I made this decision independently. I believe the best way to prepare for England is to be here, at home, refreshing my mind and body to be in peak condition for the First Test in June. Everything I have worked towards for the past four years was aimed at this winter. It could have been the best year of my life. I got married in October and hoped to win the Ashes and the World Cup, but it has been a tough period that has ignited a strong determination in me."