Delhi Capitals Opener Pulls Out Of IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals opener ruled out [Source: AFP]

In the latest development, the IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals, has been hit with a massive jolt as one of their star players has decided not to turn up for the event and will miss the upcoming season. The PSL 2026 has witnessed several big stars withdrawing from the league at the last moment, and it seems the trend has reached India.

The Delhi Capitals assembled a strong squad, and were ready to challenge for the title, but now, their headache has increased, right before the start of IPL 2026, as their star opener is out of the tournament.

Delhi Capitals' new signing out of IPL 2026

The Capitals invested heavily in buying England opener Ben Duckett, but at the last moment, the hard-hitting batter has decided not to come to India. The opener has been going through a rough patch, and he wants to concentrate on his England career.

“It was a very difficult decision, and I want to apologise to everyone at Delhi that I won’t be coming,” he tells Telegraph Sport. “I felt it was going to be a great opportunity when I put myself in the auction, and for a franchise like Delhi to pick me up was amazing. I was buzzing. It’s the best competition in the world with the best players, and would have been an amazing experience.

“I don’t know if I’m potentially saying goodbye to the IPL, having never played in it. With the age I am now [31], it might be tough for me, but I hope one day I’m able to represent Delhi. But I’ve thought a lot about this, and know it’s the right decision for my career," he added.

Duckett set to face IPL ban

Just like his English teammate, Harry Brook, Duckett is set to face a two-year IPL ban, and he won’t be allowed to participate in the league during the 2027 and 2028 seasons. Interestingly, the Capitals signed Brook during the 2025 campaign, and the England captain pulled out of the league.

As a result, the IPL governing body banned him. Duckett will face a similar fate, and it is due to the new rule imposed by the governing body.

The rule states that any player who registers for the auction and then makes themselves unavailable after being bought will be banned from both the tournament and the auction for two seasons.

Also Read: IPL 2026 Captain Revolts Against BCCI's Rule, Highlights Major Problem

Ben Duckett IPL 2026 replacement- Has the Capitals signed anyone?

This news came in as a shocker for the Capitals, as they were keen on making Duckett a key part of their IPL 2026 project. So far, the team has not announced any replacement, but looking at their squad, they might not need a replacement.

The team is already stacked at the opening spot, with KL Rahul set to open the batting for the franchise. Moreover, there is the overseas option of using Pathum Nissanka alongside him.

Apart from the two names mentioned, there are Prithvi Shaw and Abishek Porel, who can also open the batting for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. However, with one overseas slot left vacant due to Duckett’s departure, the Capitals could use it to strengthen the bowling department.

There is no guarantee on when Mitch Starc might turn up, since Cricket Australia is yet to issue an NOC. If he fails to arrive, DC could do it with a quality overseas pacer.

Also Read: CSK Sign KKR Reject As Nathan Ellis' Replacement For IPL 2026