England Opener Ben Duckett Withdraws from IPL 2026 to Revive Test Career

London. England opener Ben Duckett has withdrawn from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with the aim of reviving his Test career. Duckett made this decision after a poor performance in the recently concluded Ashes series to improve his form and secure his place in the Test squad. 

Delhi Capitals had signed him for 20 million Indian Rupees in the auction last December. Duckett has not played in the IPL yet. Seeing stiff competition for overseas slots from Pathum Nissanka in the Delhi squad, he chose the option of playing county cricket over participating in the tournament. 

He will now play the County Championship for Nottinghamshire during the IPL window. Due to withdrawing at the last minute, Duckett faces a potential two-year ban from the IPL. Harry Brook faced a similar ban previously after withdrawing from Delhi.

The 31-year-old Duckett stated that although the decision was difficult, it was right for his career. He apologized to the Delhi Capitals and his fans, expressing hope to play in the IPL again in the future. 

Duckett's form has significantly declined recently. He has scored only one half-century in 28 innings since last August and managed just 202 runs in 10 innings of the Ashes series.

Duckett also mentioned that this break was necessary to spend time with his family after being away from home for a long time and to mentally refresh himself. Interest is growing regarding which player Delhi Capitals will bring in to replace him.