Ben Duckett has made the costly decision to walk away from the 2026 Indian Premier League before even making his debut. The 31-year-old England opener, who was snapped up by the Delhi Capitals for ₹2 crore in the 2025 auction, has informed the franchise he will not be traveling to India this April, he shared in an interview with The Telegraph.
Following a "bruising winter" that saw his Test average dip below 40 during a tough Ashes series and a stint on the sidelines during the T20 World Cup, Duckett is choosing the "drawing board" over the bright lights. By opting out after being purchased, he triggers a stringent BCCI penalty that renders him ineligible for the tournament until the 2029 edition.
Duckett’s decision is rooted in a desire to refresh his "mind and body" after a grueling international schedule. Rather than potentially warming the bench in India, he intends to spend time with his family and return to the County Championship with Nottinghamshire to prepare for the Test summer against New Zealand.
I don’t know if I’m potentially saying goodbye to the IPL, having never played in it. With the age I am now, 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. 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. I would like to sincerely apologise to everyone at Delhi. I am sorry for any disruption my decision may cause.
Ben Duckett
Duckett was candid about his struggles in Australia, where facing Mitchell Starc’s "90mph rockets" left him frustrated and searching for a score. He also addressed the "Noosa incident" from December, where footage of his inebriation during a mid-series break made headlines.
Noosa apology: Duckett admitted the incident was "not professional" and expressed gratitude for the support from Rob Key and the England camp.
"Drawing board": He is reuniting with Notts coach Peter Moores, who he believes "knows my game inside out," to find the "nuggets" that made him a top-tier opener in 2025.
Fitness drive: Duckett is working with England fitness coach Pete Sim to become "the best shape of my life" ahead of the first Test on June 4.
Not playing in the World Cup, and being on the sidelines in India after such a tough Ashes series was a struggle for me. But it’s lit a massive fire in my belly moving forward... I am also prioritising being in the best shape of my life come that first Test.
Ben Duckett
Harry Brook precedent: Duckett follows fellow countryman Harry Brook, who faced a similar two-season ban after withdrawing from Delhi in 2025.
Replacement search: With Duckett out, DC will likely look to Pathum Nissanka or Prithvi Shaw to partner KL Rahul at the top of the order.
T20 WC hangover: Duckett cited his lack of game time in the recent T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka as a primary catalyst for wanting to "reset."
2029 horizon: Due to the BCCI’s "legitimate reason" clause, Duckett will be 34 years old by the time he is eligible for the IPL auction again.
For a 31-year-old player to forfeit a two crore paycheck and accept a three-year exile from the world's most lucrative league is an extraordinary statement of intent. Duckett is betting entirely on his England future, wagering that a strong summer at Trent Bridge is more valuable than an IPL cameo.
