New Delhi: Delhi Capitals have signed England bowling all-rounder Rehan Ahmed as a replacement for his compatriot Ben Duckett for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, tournament organisers confirmed on Thursday.
Duckett opted to withdraw from the tournament to focus on his commitments with the England national cricket team and to carefully manage his physical and mental workload amid a packed international schedule.
In an official statement, the IPL said:
“Delhi Capitals have picked Rehan Ahmed as a replacement for Ben Duckett for the remainder of IPL.”
Rehan Ahmed To Join DC Squad For Rs 75 Lakh
The young leg-spinning all-rounder will join Delhi Capitals for a contract worth Rs 75 lakh, strengthening their spin-bowling options for the rest of the tournament.
Rehan, known for his right-arm leg-spin and useful lower-order batting ability, has already gained valuable experience at the international level despite his young age.
So far, he has represented England in:
- 5 Test matches
- 9 One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
- 13 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
Across formats, the youngster has claimed 49 international wickets, establishing himself as one of England’s emerging spin talents.
Youngest England Test Debutant In Karachi
Rehan Ahmed made headlines when he became the youngest player to represent England in Test cricket.
He achieved the milestone during his debut against Pakistan national cricket team in Karachi in December 2022, at the age of 18 years and 126 days.
His early rise to international cricket showcased his promise as a spin-bowling all-rounder, and his inclusion in Delhi Capitals is expected to add depth and versatility to their squad.
Ben Duckett Steps Away To Prioritise England Commitments
Ben Duckett’s withdrawal reflects a growing trend among international players prioritising workload management amid demanding cricket calendars.
The left-handed batter chose to step away from IPL 2026 primarily to:
- Focus on upcoming international assignments
- Manage physical fatigue
- Maintain mental fitness
His absence left a gap in Delhi Capitals’ squad, prompting the franchise to move quickly in securing a replacement.
Boost For Delhi Capitals Mid-Season Plans
Rehan Ahmed’s arrival is expected to bolster Delhi Capitals’ bowling resources as teams enter the crucial phase of the tournament.
With several matches remaining in the season, the franchise will hope the young English spinner adapts quickly to Indian conditions and contributes effectively in high-pressure games.