After Ben Duckett, Two More England Players Reject Playing In IPL 2026

Ben Duckett and the IPL trophy [Source: AFP, CREX]

The IPL 2026 has been an event of worrisome injuries and a plethora of pull-outs for foreign players. Ben Duckett, the English opener and a primary batter for Delhi Capitals, also pulled out ahead of the campaign opener, citing prioritising national duty and focusing on red-ball cricket.

What adds to the concern is that two other players, namely Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue, have also rejected the offer to visit India for the mega tournament after Ben Duckett.

The ‘Ben Duckett Loss’ For Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals signed Duckett in the IPL 2026 mega auction for a price of INR 2 crore. While that would have been the base salary of Duckett, the player pulled out days before the tournament, citing focus on his Test revival as he wanted to return to Nottinghamshire for the County Championship.

This handicapped the Delhi Capitals from having a solid opener with the bat. Nevertheless, skipping them behind, developments shared that Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue, two English players, were also approached for the tournament. However, as per a recent report, the duo have turned down the offer.

Smith, Tongue Deny IPL 2026 Stint for ‘Weak’ Reason

As per a recent report from Telegraph Sport, developments saw franchises approach Tongue and Smith to sign as replacement players in the tournament. However, both of these players have turned down the offer as they prioritised staying in England instead of playing IPL 2026 like Ben Duckett.

"It does seem the penny is dropping for some players that a block of red-ball cricket can help. It is understood that Tongue and Smith have turned down offers to be replacement players at the tournament to stay in England," the report read.

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Duckett-less Delhi Capitals Set To Navigate Batting Combinations

This disadvantage of Ben Duckett, though, has now cost DC, as they are in the lookout for a like-for-like replacement. While they have a plethora of batters for the middle order, except for KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka, there are limited options who can open for the team.

Josh Tongue, who has so far played the Hundred Men and Vitality Blast, is a 28-year-old right-arm pacer who is yet to make a debut in the Indian Premier League. Jamie Smith, however, has been part of franchise cricket and has played in the Hundred as well.

The wicketkeeper-batter averaged 29 in the tournament back in 2025. Smith, known for his middle-order expertise and ability to accelerate games, be it chasing or setting a target, would have been a valuable addition to Delhi Capitals' roster, although not a like-for-like replacement for Duckett.

Nevertheless, the growing disinterest of English players in the IPL is now a full-fledged concern that will likely persist for a long time in the cricketing scenario.

The Growing Disinterest of English Players in IPL

However, it was not confirmed whether Smith and Tongue declined the offer due to their red-ball priority or for a negotiation for a higher price that they didn’t get. Whatever it is, the Delhi Capitals are in for a loss, as they will now continue with 24 players in their squad.

Meanwhile, DC will begin their IPL 2026 campaign on April 1 against Lucknow Super Giants, followed by matches against the Mumbai Indians and the Gujarat Titans. Their last league game will be on May 24 as they face the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

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