Concerns Rise Over English Players Withdrawing from IPL
Aakash Chopra, a former Indian cricketer, has expressed his worries about a growing trend where English players are stepping away from the Indian Premier League (IPL). His concerns come after Ben Duckett decided to withdraw from IPL 2026, prompting thoughts about whether franchises might reconsider investing in young English talent.
Duckett, who was bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹2 crore last year, has opted out of the upcoming season. He cited a wish to spend more time at home and to focus on red-ball cricket as his reasons for leaving. This decision follows a tough Ashes series and limited play during the recent T20 World Cup.
In light of his late withdrawal, Duckett may also face a possible two-year ban from the IPL due to updated league rules that penalize overseas players who back out of contracts without early notice. His teammate, Harry Brook, is already serving a similar ban for pulling out of his contract with the Delhi Capitals earlier.
Chopra took to social media to share his thoughts, highlighting the risk for IPL teams when it comes to signing young English players. He remarked, “Ben Duckett pulls out. Just like Brook. IPL teams might begin to avoid ‘young’ English players in the future.”
He also proposed that the Delhi Capitals could rethink their approach in light of Duckett’s exit. With multiple opening options like Prithvi Shaw and Pathum Nissanka already in their lineup, Chopra suggested that they might want to strengthen their spin department by acquiring an experienced overseas spinner.
“Maybe it’s a chance for DC to change things up a little. How about bringing in a backup overseas spinner instead? Someone like Mujeeb or Keshav,” he mentioned.
Duckett’s performance has been under scrutiny, particularly following England’s disappointing Ashes campaign where he scored just 202 runs. His recent form has been worrying, with only one half-century in his last 28 innings.
With the IPL 2026 season starting soon, Delhi Capitals, now led by Axar Patel, will need to find a suitable replacement for Duckett. Their first match against Lucknow Super Giants is set for April 1 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, and they’ll be eager to finalize their squad quickly after this unexpected change.
