KARACHI: England wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Duckett on Tuesday announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, hoping to rediscover his Test form for England.
Duckett, who was acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 20 million for the 19th edition of the cash-rich league, apologized to the franchise’s fans for taking back his decision, which he described as tough.
“It was a very difficult decision and I want to apologize to everyone in Delhi that I won’t be coming,” he told Telegraph Sport.
“I felt it would be a great opportunity when I was picked up at the auction and it was amazing for a franchise like Delhi to pick me up. I was buzzing. It’s the best tournament in the world with the best players and it would have been an amazing experience,” he added.
His withdrawal will lead to a three-year ban, meaning he will not be considered for selection until the 2029 edition, but Duckett insisted it was the right decision for his career, despite admitting the possibility he may never feature in the league due to his age.
“I don’t know if I am saying goodbye to this without playing in the IPL. It might be difficult for me now that I am (31) years old, but I hope one day I can represent Delhi. But I have thought about it a lot and I know it is the right decision for my career.”
The left-handed batsman has been going through a tough phase of his international career since the 2025 Ashes series, during which he scored 221 runs at an average of 20.2.
He was named in England’s squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, but he couldn’t play a match, which fueled a fire in him to move forward.
“Not playing in the World Cup, being sidelined in India after such a tough Ashes series was a struggle for me,” Duckett said.
“But there’s a big fire burning in my belly moving forward. I don’t know where I stand and what’s coming,” he added.
The top-order batsman confirmed that he has decided to withdraw from the IPL 2026 of his own free will, insisting that the best thing for him to continue representing England is to rejuvenate his mind and body.
“I have taken this decision on my own free will. I have spent a lot of time away from home in different places and the best thing I can do to play for England is to refresh my mind and body. More importantly, play some four-day cricket for Notts.
“We all have different journeys, but my journey to the Test team came from county cricket. I know how valuable it is for me to get runs in the Championship and give me confidence later in the summer.”
Ben Duckett has highlighted that after spending time “on the sidelines” in IPL 2026, England’s busy Test summer, which includes home series against New Zealand and Pakistan, should be rushed back so he can’t make up for his shortcomings ahead of a packed season.
“I could have gone to the IPL, spent time in one place and then rushed back to the Test summer. I wouldn’t have time to process the winter, learn from mistakes and go back to the drawing board with Nats.”
Duckett insisted that he is ready to do everything to continue playing for England in all three formats and believes that his decision to withdraw from IPL 2026 will be a turning point in his international career.
“I’m looking forward to playing all three formats for England as long as I can,” Duckett said. “I hope it’s something I’ll look back on in 10 years and it will be a pivotal moment in my career and the right ending. I’ll do everything I can to be ready for England.”