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Ben Duckett has decided to pull out of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to save his England career.
He announced the decision in an exclusive interview with ‘The Telegraph’.
“Growing up as a kid, I dreamt of playing cricket for England, and that was it,” said Ben Duckett.
Duckett has already informed the Delhi Capitals of his decision, which will cost him £200,000 and could result in a three-year ban.
“It was a very difficult decision, and I want to apologise to everyone at Delhi that I won’t be coming,” he lamented.
The left-hander acknowledged the franchise for giving him the oppurtunity and picking him amongst the best players around the globe.
“I felt it was going to be a great opportunity when I put myself in the auction, and for a franchise like Delhi to pick me up was amazing. I was buzzing. It’s the best competition in the world with the best players, and it would have been an amazing experience,” Duckett explained.
The 31-year-old is also uncertain about his future in the league, with a potential ban looming.
“I don’t know if I’m potentially saying goodbye to the IPL, having never played in it. With the age I am now [31], 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,” he concluded.
For the unversed, Duckett had a below-par Ashes campaign. The opener only managed 221 runs at an average of 20 in five matches.
He also came into the spotlight ahead of the fourth Ashes Test after an alleged viral video surfaced in which he lost his way home during England’s Noosa break.
Ben Duckett’s poor form led to his axing from the Playing XI during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where he spent most of his time on the bench.
Notably, he could become the second England player, after Harry Brook, to face an IPL ban.
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