Ben Duckett has withdrawn from the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) in an attempt to hold on to his place in the England team.
Duckett was set to make his debut in the lucrative franchise tournament after he was signed by Delhi Capitals in last December’s auction for £159,000
But the opening batter will now play for Nottinghamshire in the early rounds of the County Championship instead in an effort to rediscover his form.
The 31-year-old struggled with the bat towards the end of last summer and hit just one half-century in 16 innings across all formats this winter.
During England’s ill-fated Ashes tour, the left-hander made 202 runs in 10 Test innings at 20.20 with a top score of 42.
“I have given this a lot of thought, and it has not been an easy choice,” Duckett said, external.
“It felt like the best thing for me to do to be ready to play for England is to be here right now, at home, refreshing my mind and body.
“[I want to] play some four-day cricket for Notts, and try to find that form I had [early on] last summer.”
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, external, Duckett also said he is “desperate” to play all three formats for England for as long as he can and will be “doing everything” to be ready for the international summer.
“This is a decision I hope I will look back on in 10 years and see as a pivotal moment in my career, and the right decision,” he added.
England also attracted controversy during the winter because of claims of excessive drinking by players during the Ashes, and particularly during a break between Tests in the beach town of Noosa.
One video which emerged on social media – not verified by the BBC – appeared to show Duckett drunk.
Duckett was named in England’s squad for the T20 World Cup which followed the Ashes, but did not make an appearance in the tournament.
He expressed his regret at what happened in Noosa during the Ashes.
“I am sorry for that incident. It was not professional and shouldn’t have happened. There is no hiding away from it,” Duckett said.
“Not playing in the World Cup and being on the sidelines in India after such a tough Ashes series was a struggle for me. But it’s lit a massive fire in my belly moving forward.”
Players who pull out of the IPL at short notice will be banned from taking part in the following two seasons in a rule introduced to the world’s most lucrative T20 franchise league last season.
Duckett’s decision to withdraw means he will likely face a suspension from the tournament until after 2029 in addition to a loss of earnings.
Delhi’s loss is Nottinghamshire’s gain with director of cricket Mick Newell pleased with the unexpected bonus of having Duckett available.
“We are supportive and fully understanding of Ben’s decision, which we know he did not make lightly,” Newell said.
“We are obviously very pleased to see him become unexpectedly available for us in the early part of the 2026 season, and we will continue to give him our full support in his career.
“I’m sure I’m not alone in saying I look forward to seeing him in Nottinghamshire whites again very soon.”
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