England’s Ben Duckett has opted out of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) just days before its commencement to prioritize his international cricket career. This move places him at risk of a potential two-season ban from the tournament. Duckett, aged 31, who recently posted 202 runs with an average of 20.20 in the Ashes series, was acquired by the Delhi Capitals for 20 million rupees ($213,167) at the IPL auction.
According to IPL regulations, any player who enrolls in the auction, gets selected by a team, and then withdraws before the season kick-off may face exclusion from both current and future IPL seasons, along with the auction process, for a period of two years. Duckett shared his decision through an Instagram post, expressing the difficulty of his choice, emphasizing his lifelong aspiration to play for the English national team, and his commitment to ensuring peak physical and mental condition ahead of the summer matches.
In his statement, Duckett apologized sincerely to the Delhi franchise, acknowledging his excitement for the opportunity and recognizing the effort and strategy involved in team formation. He also extended his apologies to the fans for any inconvenience caused. The IPL is scheduled to run from March 28 to May 31.