Opening batter Ben Duckett has made the significant decision to withdraw from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, choosing instead to focus entirely on his international career with England. The move, while difficult, underscores his commitment to securing a permanent spot in the national Test side, especially with a crucial home summer series against New Zealand on the horizon.

Duckett, who was acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 2 crore, made the announcement via an emotional post on Instagram. He expressed his deep regret over the decision, particularly towards the franchise and its fans.

"I have made the extremely difficult decision to withdraw from the IPL. I have given this a lot of thought and it has not been an easy choice. 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,"

Duckett explained, adding that his priority now is to perform consistently in domestic cricket to strengthen his claim for a Test berth.

His departure from the IPL comes after a challenging Ashes campaign, where he managed only 202 runs across 10 innings at an average of 20.20. With the County Championship set to begin on April 3—running parallel to the IPL—Duckett will now represent Nottinghamshire, gaining valuable red-ball match practice.

As per IPL rules, players who voluntarily withdraw from the league are barred from participating in the next two player auctions. This means Duckett will not be eligible for IPL 2027 and 2028 unless the regulations are amended or an exception is made.

Delhi Capitals, who also have Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka as an overseas opening option, will now look to adjust their squad composition ahead of the season. The franchise acknowledged Duckett's decision with understanding, emphasizing player welfare and national commitments.

Duckett concluded his message with a heartfelt apology: "I would like to sincerely apologise to everyone at Delhi. I was genuinely very excited about the opportunity to represent the franchise, and I fully appreciate the time and planning that goes into building a squad. I am sorry for any disruption my decision may cause. I would also like to apologise to all the fans as I know how much it means to everyone in Delhi."

His choice highlights the growing tension between franchise cricket and international obligations, especially for players from Test-focused nations like England.