England batter Ben Duckett withdraws from IPL to focus on Test spot
England batter Ben Duckett has withdrawn from the Indian Premier League in a bid to rescue his international career following a dismal winter across all formats.
The 31-year-old was due to play for the Delhi Capitals but has opted to return to Nottinghamshire ahead of the English summer.
He will work closely with head coach Peter Moores and England fitness expert Peter Sims to correct underlying technical flaws.
The left-handed opener managed just one score over fifty in 16 innings during a highly scrutinised touring schedule.
A winter of struggle and off-field controversy
A highest score of 42 during the recent Ashes series was compounded by an off-field incident during a mid-series break in Noosa.
The Nottinghamshire batter was filmed seemingly intoxicated, prompting widespread reports of an excessive drinking culture within the squad.
He subsequently remained an unused squad member during England’s recent T20 World Cup campaign across India and Sri Lanka.
“I’m desperate to play all three formats for England for as long as I can,” Duckett told the Daily Telegraph.
Sacrificing franchise cricket for Test redemption
By making himself unavailable after the auction, the top-order batter risks an IPL ban until 2029.
The decision also means he will forfeit a lucrative £200,000 contract for the franchise tournament starting this Saturday.
However, he hopes the financial sacrifice will pay dividends ahead of England’s first Test against New Zealand on 4 June.
“This is a decision I hope I will look back on in 10 years and see as a pivotal moment in my career, and the right decision. I will being doing everything I can to be ready for England.”
Rebuilding fitness and reputation
Reflecting on a turbulent year, Duckett admitted his regret over the Noosa controversy, which has since led to a strict midnight curfew for all England players.
“I am sorry for that… Not playing in the World Cup and being on the sidelines in India after such a tough Ashes series was a struggle for me.”
Despite a sharp decline in his stock over the past twelve months, the international star remains fiercely determined to fight for his place.
“It’s lit a massive fire in my belly moving forward. I don’t know where I stand, or what is to come.”
