BCCI Gets Orders To Punish Ben Duckett And Others Heavily

Devajit Saikia and Ben Duckett (Source: AFP)

The IPL 2026 has found itself surrounded by controversy even before gaining full momentum. Several overseas players have either delayed their arrival or withdrawn completely, leaving franchises struggling to adjust their plans at the last moment. While such incidents are not new, the frequency of withdrawals has raised serious concerns. 

The sudden decision sparked a wider debate, and former India captain Sunil Gavaskar requested the BCCI to take a strong step against these players.

Delhi Capitals were among the recent affected teams after England opener Ben Duckett opted out of the tournament despite being picked in the auction. The team had invested ₹2 crore in the batter and was expected to rely on him at their top order. 

Sunil Gavaskar demands stronger punishments from BCCI

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly reacted to the growing trend of overseas players withdrawing from the IPL at the last minute. 

He urged the BCCI to rethink its current policies and introduce stricter penalties that actually prevent players from withdrawing.

Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that the existing two-year ban rule is not proving effective, as players continue to prioritise international commitments or other leagues over the IPL.

“It is a tough one. Clearly, Ben Duckett had a very good Ashes series, and if he had not been bought for the amount he was at The Hundred auction, maybe things would have been different. One can understand that, having been bought at a very good price in The Hundred, he was probably quite happy to miss this and say he wants to focus on his England Test career," Gavaskar told India Today.

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“But yes, what should be done is something for the BCCI to think about as well, because a two-year ban is obviously not working. You have to look at something that will have an impact. As long as it’s not having an impact on the player and his chances of coming back to the IPL, it won’t work,” he added.

BCCI urged to develop immediate and meaningful penalties

Sunil Gavaskar also explained that penalties should be meaningful and immediate, similar to in-game punishments like slow over-rate sanctions, which directly influence match outcomes. Sunil Gavaskar stated that the governing body must put in place a system that ensures accountability.

“I don't know. I am not on the governing council. I haven't thought about it. Like for example, every time, when we talk about penalising, when you talk about penalising teams bowling slowly, by having another fielder inside the 30 metre circle rather than outside, that is a penalty that can have an impact on the game," said Gavaskar.

“That's a very effective penalty. Bowlers and fielders would want to move very fast because they want all five fielders outside the 30m circle for the last few overs. So, I think you need some sort of penalty that can have an impact. That has to affect the individual player. So, I don't know how that happens, but it is clearly something BCCI have to sit down and think about,” he added.

Other players in the list to miss IPL 2026 initial matches

Adding to the issue, some players have cited injuries and workload management as reasons for missing IPL matches. Australian pacer Mitchell Starc recently confirmed that he is dealing with shoulder and elbow injuries, which delayed his participation in the tournament.

Taking to social media, Mitchell Starc clarified that he is currently undergoing rehabilitation and was unaware of the severity of his condition earlier.

Meanwhile, other international stars like Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have also skipped initial matches due to injury concerns.

The BCCI introduced the two-year ban policy ahead of the IPL 2025 to address last-minute withdrawals, and Harry Brook was the first player to face the consequences of this rule. But taking a look at the recent events, it suggests that the BCCI may need to make necessary changes to further strengthen the rule.

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