Pakistan-Origin Player Joins IPL As Delhi Capitals Sign Ben Duckett Replacement

Delhi Capitals - (Source: AFP)

In a significant development, Delhi Capitals have finally named a replacement for Ben Duckett for the remainder of IPL 2026. For the unversed, the England opener had pulled out of the league before the start of the season to focus on international career.

Delhi Capitals already had a problem of plenty for the opening slot. Therefore, they didn't feel the urge to name an immediate replacement. However, in the latest events, the Axar Patel-led side have named a Pakistan-origin cricketer in their squad for the rest of IPL 2026.

Delhi Capitals Sign Rehan Ahmed For IPL 2026

On Thursday, IPL posted an official update stating that England's star all-rounder Rehan Ahmed has replaced Ben Duckett. The right-arm leg-spinner, has played 5 Tests, 9 ODIs and 13 T20Is for England and has scalped 49 international wickets. Further, he has joined the side for 75 lakhs.

For the unversed, Rehan Ahmed has his roots in Pakistan as his father was born in the neighbouring country before shifting base to England. Shedding light on Rehan, he was born in Nottingham. 

Why Did Delhi Capitals Sign Rehan Ahmed For IPL 2026?

It is quite strange to see Delhi Capitals not going for a like-to-like replacement. Notably, they could have gone for a batter as well, but they opted for a bowling all-rounder. Now, the reason for this move can be the fact that the Capitals are struggling for No.8 position.

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They tried with Vipraj Nigam at the start of the tournament, but the India all-rounder looked a pale shadow of his IPL 2025 version. Further, he was replaced by Auqib Nabi in the team. However, the J&K superstar also failed to impress the Capitals.

Therefore, Rehan Ahmed can be the perfect No.8 option for Delhi Capitals as the 21-year-old can bowl spin and also bat, which would come handy at No.8.

Shedding light on Rehan Ahmed's numbers, he featured in County Div-Two 2025, where he amassed 760 runs in 16 innings, averaging 50.67 with the bat. Also, with the ball, Ahmed picked up six wickets. Now, Ahmed's selection has also put pressure on Kuldeep Yadav to perform.

What Happens To Ben Duckett?

For the unversed, Ben Duckett is now not allowed to feature in IPL till 2029. Notably, the BCCI has placed strict rules, which forces a two-year ban on players who pull out of the league at the last minute.

Therefore, Ben Duckett is not available for selection. Similarly, teams have struggled with Australia players' fitness as Delhi Capitals are also awaiting Mitchell Starc's return.

Notably, the left-arm seamer has not played a solitary game in this tournament and recently got the NOC from Cricket Australia to fly to India. He will be available for selection from May 1.

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