International players have started to withdraw from IPL 2026 because of multiple injury problems which have already emerged. Ben Duckett, the England opener and a key batter for Delhi Capitals, pulled out just before the season opener. He decided to devote his time to national obligations and red-ball cricket. The situation worsened as two more England players, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue, also declined offers to travel to India for the tournament after Duckett’s withdrawal. Delhi Capitals had signed Duckett for INR 2 crore in the IPL 2026 mega auction. This would have been his base salary, but he withdrew just days before the tournament. He chose to focus on his Test comeback while he planned to return to Nottinghamshire for the County Championship. His departure from the team left Delhi Capitals without an opening batsman who could effectively fill the role. The reports confirmed that teams showed interest in signing Smith and Tongue as their new players. The players decided to turn down the contract proposals which were extended to them. Smith and Tongue received contact from multiple teams who wanted them to join as replacement players. Both players selected to remain in England instead of competing in IPL 2026 which Duckett had chosen. Delhi Capitals face a major problem because Duckett withdrew from the team they currently search for his replacement. The team possesses sufficient middle-order batsmen because they have KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka but they need better opening batsman options. Josh Tongue, a 28-year-old right-arm pacer, has appeared in The Hundred Men and the Vitality Blast but he has not yet played his first match in the IPL. Jamie Smith has played franchise cricket while participating in The Hundred and other cricket competitions. The wicketkeeper-batter scored consistently in 2025, averaging 29 in the tournament. Smith would have benefited Delhi Capitals with his ability to accelerate innings because of his middle-order strength, despite not being a direct replacement for Duckett. Also Read | Can Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Play for India After Turning 15? ICC Age Rules Explained The increasing resistance of English players to join the IPL has developed into a major problem which will continue to affect the league throughout upcoming seasons. The basis for Smith and Tongue's decision to reject the offers remains unknown because their red-ball commitments and their dissatisfaction with the contract value both serve as possible explanations. The Delhi Capitals face an obstacle because their 24 member roster will be their only solution. The Delhi Capitals will start their IPL 2026 season on April 1 when they play the Lucknow Super Giants. They will then face Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans. Their final league match is scheduled for May 24 against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.