Ben Duckett has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season in a bid to refocus on his England career after a challenging winter. Once considered one of the best all-format openers in world cricket, Duckett’s form took a nosedive during the latter part of last year, which carried into the winter months. In 16 innings, Duckett managed just one score over fifty, and his highest score in the Ashes series was a mere 42 runs.
Alongside his poor form, Duckett found himself embroiled in a controversial incident during England’s mid-series break in Noosa. A video of him seemingly intoxicated and caught in a compromising situation was shared online, adding to the scrutiny surrounding his place in the national team. This came on top of his limited involvement in England’s T20 World Cup campaign, where he remained an unused squad member.
In light of these challenges, Duckett informed the Delhi Capitals of his decision to withdraw from the IPL, a decision he described as “extremely difficult” but necessary for his long-term goals. “I’m desperate to play all three formats for England for as long as I can,” Duckett said in an interview. “This decision is something I hope will prove pivotal in my career.”
While Duckett was excited about the opportunity to play in the IPL, he acknowledged that he needed to focus on his physical and mental well-being ahead of England’s summer fixtures. “Representing England is something I have dreamed of since I was a child,” he added on Instagram. “I want to give everything I can to English cricket, and to do that, I need to ensure I’m in the best possible place.”
Withdrawing from the IPL means Duckett risks missing out on a £200,000 payday this year and could face a potential ban from future IPL seasons until 2029. However, he is prioritizing his international career and intends to return to Nottinghamshire, where he plans to work with head coach Peter Moores to refine his batting ahead of England’s Test series against New Zealand, which starts on 4th of June.
In addition to focusing on his batting, Duckett has begun working with England’s fitness coach, Peter Sims, to get back into peak physical condition. Reflecting on his recent struggles, Duckett expressed regret for his actions in Noosa, admitting that the incident was unprofessional. “It shouldn’t have happened,” he said. “There is no hiding away from it.”
As Duckett gears up for a crucial summer with England, the 31-year-old is determined to bounce back and prove he still has a lot to offer on the international stage.
