Ben Duckett has opted to pull out of the upcoming Indian Premier League season in a bid to keep hold of his place in the England squad.

Duckett has never previously played in the IPL and was signed by the Delhi Capitals at December's auction, but he was not a guaranteed starter.

The 31-year-old has struggled for form in the last year, and after withdrawing from his contract, he will represent Nottingham in the County Championship.

During the winter, he made just one score north of fifth in 16 innings, while his top score in a dismal Ashes performance for England was 42.

He was also an unused squad member at the T20 World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals.

With scrutiny over his place in England's Test side, in particular, Duckett has decided to focus on his all-around game, which led to his decision to pull out of the IPL.

"I'm desperate to play all three formats for England for as long as I can," Duckett told the Daily Telegraph.

"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 be doing everything I can to be ready for England.

Territory check, Tigers at work pic.twitter.com/cEV66fW2fC

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 23, 2026

"I've learnt a lot in the last year. Going from how I was being spoken about during the India series last summer, to how I am spoken about now. That's a ridiculously big dip.

"Not playing in the World Cup and being on the sidelines in India after such a tough Ashes series was a struggle for me. But it's lit a massive fire in my belly moving forward. I don't know where I stand, or what is to come."

Overseas players who make themselves unavailable after being purchased in the IPL auction without valid reasons, such as injury, run the risk of a ban.

As such, Duckett's decision means he could be ineligible to play in the tournament again until 2029.

He is first and foremost aiming to get back to his best for England's first Test of the summer against New Zealand, which begins on June 4.