The Delhi Capitals (DC) have substituted one Englishman with another as they secure the services of Rehan Ahmed as a replacement for Ben Duckett for the remainder of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).
The 21-year-old has joined the 2020 finalists for a price of INR 75 lakh. Ahmed was part of the 2026 mini auction but went unsold. However, being part of the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) allowed him to come in as a replacement for his compatriot Duckett in this year’s IPL. He will be forming part of an IPL franchise for the first time in his career.
“The Delhi Capitals are thrilled to announce the signing of young England sensation Rehan Ahmed for the remainder of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The 21-year-old leg-spinning all-rounder joins the DC family as a replacement for opening batter Ben Duckett. Rehan Ahmed’s arrival adds a lethal new dimension to the Capitals’ bowling arsenal. Known for his deceptive googlies and fearless lower-order hitting, Rehan joins Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam as wrist-spinning options,” read DC’s official statement.
Ahmed has made 13 T20I appearances for England, taking 15 wickets and scoring a strike-rate of 142.30 with the bat. The spin-bowling all-rounder has had good experience of playing across the franchise circuit, forming part of the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League and the Trent Rockets in The Hundred 2025. He has also played two seasons in the ILT20 for the Gulf Giants.
Ahmed was part of Leicestershire’s squad playing in Division One of the Rothesay County Championship following their promotion last season. He played for the Foxes twice but will now fly to India to compete in the IPL.
BCCI urged to take strong action for Duckett’s exit
Duckett, meanwhile, pulled out of the 2026 IPL at the eleventh hour to focus on his England career following a disappointing Ashes series, where he averaged just 20.20 and failed to register a single score above 50. He is currently representing Nottinghamshire in the County Championship.
