NEW DELHI: Sunil Gavaskar has called for tougher punishment for last-minute IPL withdrawals, insisting the current rules are failing to deter overseas players after Ben Duckett pulled out of IPL 2026 despite being picked by Delhi Capitals.Duckett, bought for Rs 2 crore, opted out just days before the tournament to focus on his England commitments, leaving DC’s preparations in disarray and reigniting the debate around player accountability in the league.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Gavaskar did not hold back in his assessment of the situation, questioning the effectiveness of the existing punishment. “It is a tough one… one can understand that he wants to focus on his England Test career,” Gavaskar told India Today, acknowledging Duckett’s priorities after a demanding international schedule.
However, he stressed that understanding the decision does not mean accepting its impact on the league. “What should be done is something for the BCCI to think about, because a two-year ban is obviously not working,” he said.The former India captain emphasised that the current rule lacks real consequences. “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,” he added.Withdrawals spark fresh debateThe IPL currently imposes a two-year ban on overseas players who withdraw after being picked at the auction without valid injury reasons. However, repeated cases have raised doubts about its effectiveness.Duckett’s withdrawal follows similar instances, including that of Harry Brook, who is already serving a ban after pulling out in a previous season.The England opener defended his decision, saying it reflected his commitment to national duty. “Turning 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 global stars, such last-minute exits disrupt team balance and planning. Gavaskar hinted that unless the BCCI enforces stricter penalties, the trend may continue.
