Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Ben Duckett, the opener for Delhi Capitals, has decided to withdraw from the tournament. The team confirmed that Duckett, a player from England, expressed his unavailability for the upcoming IPL season. Delhi Capitals are now in search of a replacement for him.
Duckett, who was purchased for Rs 2 crore in the auction, was expected to partner with KL Rahul at the top of the batting order. However, he opted to prioritize his international commitments with the England team. His departure just before the tournament commences is seen as a setback for Delhi Capitals’ preparations.
Citing a disappointing winter performance, Duckett revealed that his choice to skip the IPL was influenced by his recent form. Despite being part of the T20 World Cup 2026 squad, he did not feature in any matches. Duckett expressed regret over missing the opportunity to play in the prestigious league and represent Delhi Capitals.
Reflecting on his decision, Duckett, aged 31, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future in the IPL. He expressed hopes of representing Delhi in the future but recognized that his age might pose challenges. Despite the difficulty of the choice, he believes focusing on his international career is the right decision at this stage.
Delhi Capitals are set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against the Lucknow Super Giants on April 1 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
