The build-up to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 was always expected to be about cricket, but just days before the tournament began, an unexpected controversy stole the spotlight. England opener Ben Duckett’s sudden withdrawal from the league has not only disrupted team plans but also triggered a strong reaction from one of India’s most respected voices – Sunil Gavaskar.
Sunil Gavaskar slams system after Ben Duckett’s IPL exit
Duckett, who was picked up by Delhi Capitals (DC) for ₹2 crore in the auction, was set to make his IPL debut. However, just five days before the opening match, he announced his decision to pull out, citing his commitment to England cricket. The timing left Delhi in a difficult position, forcing them to rethink their combinations at the last moment.
The 31-year-old’s decision came after a challenging few months. His Ashes campaign in Australia was underwhelming, and an off-field incident during the tour also drew criticism. Against that backdrop, Duckett chose to step back and focus on regaining form and mental clarity ahead of England’s home season.
In his statement, he made his priorities clear: “I have given this a lot of thought, and it has not been an easy choice. Representing England is something I have dreamed of since I was a child, and I want to give everything I can to English cricket. To do that, I need to ensure I am in the best possible place physically and mentally ahead of the summer.”
He also acknowledged the impact on his franchise: “I would like to sincerely apologise to everyone at Delhi. I was genuinely very excited about the opportunity to represent the franchise, and I fully appreciate the time and planning that goes into building a squad.”
While Duckett’s reasoning reflects a player prioritizing international duty, the fallout has been significant – especially for Delhi, who were counting on him to partner KL Rahul at the top of the order.
Gavaskar questions BCCI Rule, calls for stronger action
Duckett’s withdrawal didn’t just affect team balance – it reignited a larger debate about overseas players pulling out after being picked in the IPL auction. And Gavaskar, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, took direct aim at the current rules laid out by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Speaking candidly, Gavaskar acknowledged the complexities but made it clear that the existing system isn’t effective enough: “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.”
He then pointed out the core issue: “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.”
The current rule states that any overseas player who withdraws without a valid injury reason faces a two-year ban from the IPL. On paper, it sounds strict. But as Gavaskar highlighted, players today have multiple lucrative options – like England’s domestic leagues – which reduce the fear of missing out on the IPL.
To explain his point, Gavaskar drew a comparison with on-field penalties: “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. 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.”
His argument is simple – punishments need to be immediate and impactful, not just long-term restrictions that players might be willing to accept.
For Delhi Capitals, the situation is already complicated. Along with Duckett’s absence, they are also dealing with the unavailability of Mitchell Starc for the early part of the tournament due to injury concerns. The team now has to quickly regroup and find alternatives.
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