Ben Duckett makes 'difficult decision' to withdraw from IPL to focus on England career

Duckett wants as much red-ball game time as possible in a bid to rediscover his form in time for England first home Test against New Zealand in June.

The left-handed batter's last-minute withdrawal from the tournament that starts on Friday is expected to earn him a two-year ban from the IPL.

In an interview with the Telegraph, Duckett said: "It was a very difficult decision, and I want to apologise to everyone at Delhi that I won't be coming.

"I felt it was going to be a great opportunity when I put myself in the auction, and for a franchise like Delhi to pick me up was amazing.

"I was buzzing. It's the best competition in the world with the best players, and would have been an amazing experience.

"I don't know if I'm potentially saying goodbye to the IPL, having never played in it. With the age I am now (31), it might be tough for me, but I hope one day I'm able to represent Delhi. But I've thought a lot about this, and know it's the right decision for my career."

Duckett managed just 202 runs in ten innings during England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia and wants to regain his form that saw him as one of the leading all-format batters in world cricket.

He added: "I'm desperate to play all three formats for England for as long as I can.

"This is a decision I hope I will look back on in ten 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."