Sunil Gavaskar and Ben Duckett NEW DELHI: Sunil Gavaskar has called for a tougher penalty for last-minute IPL withdrawals, insisting the current rules are unable to deter overseas players after Ben Duckett pulled out of IPL 2026 despite being picked by Delhi Capitals.Bought for Rs 2 crore, Duckett pulled out just days before the tournament to focus on his England commitments, leaving DC’s preparations in disarray and re-igniting the debate over players’ responsibilities in the league.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!Gavaskar did not hold back in his assessment of the situation and questioned the effectiveness of the existing punishment. “It’s tough… one understands that he wants to focus on his England Test career,” Gavaskar told India Today, acknowledging Duckett’s priorities after a demanding international schedule.
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Greenstone Lobo predicts IPL 2026 winner However, he emphasized that understanding the decision does not mean accepting its impact on the league. “What should be done is something the BCCI should think about because the two-year ban is obviously not working,” he said.The former Indian captain pointed out that the current rule lacks real consequences. “You have to look at something that will have an impact. Until it has an impact on the players and their chances of coming back to the IPL, it won’t work,” he added.The withdrawal will trigger a new debateThe IPL currently imposes a two-year ban on overseas players who withdraw after being selected in the auction without valid injury reasons. However, repeated cases have raised doubts about its effectiveness.Duckett’s resignation follows similar cases, including that of Harry Brook, who is already serving a sentence after withdrawing the previous season.
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The England opener defended his decision, saying it reflected his commitment to national duty. “To turn down a good chunk of money … is a step in the right direction to show how much playing for England means to me,” Duckett said.While the league continues to attract world-class stars, such last-minute departures disrupt team balance and scheduling. Gavaskar hinted that unless the BCCI enforces more severe punishments, this trend may continue.
