IPL 2026 kicks off on 28 March 2026. Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opener. However, the tournament is making headlines for its missing stars as much as its big-name line-ups. Several top international players have stepped back or delayed their arrival. Personal commitments simply came before franchise cricket this year.
Babies, weddings, mental health, and legal hurdles all feature in the reasons cited. These stories remind fans that cricketers have full lives beyond the boundary rope. Even with the massive financial stakes of IPL 2026, the human side of sport won out in these six cases.
IPL 2026: 6 Players Who Chose Family Over Cricket
Lockie Ferguson steps back for his newborn son
Punjab Kings signed New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson, who recently welcomed his first child during the T20 World Cup. He managed only four days at home before that tournament. After the T20I series against South Africa, Ferguson confirmed he will take a few weeks off. He plans to join PBKS for the second half of the season. Speaking in Auckland, he noted his desire to support his wife at home. Ben Dwarshuis will fill his spot early in the campaign.
Josh Inglis misses early games for his wedding
Lucknow Super Giants bought Australian star Josh Inglis for ₹8.6 crore in December. However, his wedding in early April 2026 will limit his games. The BCCI told franchises before the auction that he would only be free for about four matches. LSG still outbid Sunrisers Hyderabad to get him. They likely hope he returns sooner than expected. His case caused a headline after Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia claimed Inglis only revealed his plans 45 minutes before the retention deadline.
Ben Duckett withdraws to protect his career and mental health
England opener Ben Duckett pulled out of his ₹2 crore Delhi Capitals contract just days before the start. He wants to protect his fitness and mental freshness for a busy England summer. Duckett stated that representing his country is his priority. Under the 2024 IPL rules, any overseas player who withdraws without a medical certificate gets a two-year ban. This means Duckett will also miss the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
Yash Dayal sits out due to a legal situation
Yash Dayal took 13 wickets in 15 games during RCB’s 2025 title win. However, he is opting out of IPL 2026 due to an ongoing personal legal situation. RCB director Mo Bobat confirmed the news. The franchise has retained him despite the circumstances, and he remains under contract. Dayal currently faces allegations of sexual exploitation. While the Rajasthan High Court granted him protection from arrest in January, he continues to work with investigating authorities.
Mitchell Starc delayed by workload management
Australian quick Mitchell Starc will miss the start of the season. Cricket Australia and his franchise made a joint decision on workload management. After a brutal schedule including the Ashes and the T20 World Cup, CA delayed his clearance. They want to protect his fitness for the Australian winter. This shows a growing trend where national teams take more control over their star bowlers’ schedules.
5 Teams Wrecked By Injuries Before IPL 2026 Starts
Harry Brook serves a ban after pre-season withdrawal
Harry Brook is serving a two-year IPL ban during this 2026 season. He withdrew from his Delhi Capitals contract in 2025 without a medical reason, citing workload and England duties. Brook apologised for the move, but the BCCI applied its rules strictly. His situation set the stage for the penalty Ben Duckett now faces. It proves that even with the IPL’s money, players are still drawing firm personal boundaries.
