Big Blow for Delhi Capitals; THIS star opener pulls out of IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals will start their campaign on April 1.

After failing to qualify for the playoffs last season, Delhi Capitals (DC) will aim for a powerful comeback in the Indian Premier League 2026. The franchise has retained Axar Patel as the captain for the upcoming season.

DC have been part of the tournament since the maiden edition in 2008, but have never won the title. They will play their opening game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 1. Later, they will clash with Mumbai Indians on April 4 in their first home game at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

They will clash with Gujarat Titans (GT) on April 8 at the same venue, before travelling to Chepauk to take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 11.

Notably, Mitchell Starc’s availability is a big concern for DC in IPL 2026. The Australian pacer is awaiting permission from Cricket Australia (CA) to play in the tournament. Starc’s workload is being carefully managed by CA ahead of the busy international schedule.

Now, another player’s absence has come as a big shock for the side. Just a few days ahead of the tournament, the Capitals have suffered a big blow as one of their star openers has opted out of IPL 2026.

Ben Duckett pulls out of IPL 2026 to focus on playing for England

DC bought England’s star opener Ben Duckett in the IPL 2026 mini-auction last year and he was expected to make his debut in the tournament. The England opener was bought by DC for INR 2 crore in the auction.

However, he has pulled out of the tournament at the last moment. In an interview with The Telegraph, Duckett revealed that he has opted out of IPL 2026 to focus on playing for England.

“It was a very difficult decision, and I want to apologise to everyone at Delhi that I won’t be coming. 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,” he said.

“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.

Notably, Duckett’s ouster from the tournament at the last moment to focus on playing for England can also lead to getting him banned for two years from the tournament.

Last year, England captain Harry Brook was handed a two-year ban by the BCCI for pulling out of IPL 2025 after being picked in the auction. After getting appointed as the England white-ball captain, Brook chose to skip the tournament to focus on his national duties.

According to BCCI’s rules, any player who pulls out of the tournament after getting picked in the auction can face a two-year ban. This does not include situations where players miss the tournament due to an injury.

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