The IPL 2026 begins on March 28 with RCB taking on SRH in Bengaluru.
A report from The Telegraph has stated that two England players, Josh Tongue and Jamie Smith, were approached by IPL franchises to sign them as injury replacements, but the England players have declined the offer to be part of the most popular and richest T20 league in the world.
Notably, both the stars were unsold in the IPL 2026 auction. While Smith's base price was Rs 2 crore, that of Tongue was Rs 1 crore.
These recent rejections, along with Ben Duckett's earlier withdrawal from the Delhi Capitals, show that an increasing number of England players are prioritizing their national responsibilities and physical recuperation over joining the lucrative T20 tournaments.
As per the Sunday Guardian report, Jamie Smith, who has emerged as a key member of England's Test middle order, reportedly declined the offer, citing the need for a few months of recovery following an extremely demanding winter schedule to be completely prepared for the upcoming home season.
Josh Tongue, an injury-prone fast bowler, has made the decision to focus on his rehabilitation with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) medical team rather than risk a very demanding time in India.
This comes after Ben Duckett pulled out of his deal with the Delhi Capitals for the IPL 2026. To stay in the "best possible place physically and mentally" for England's home summer, Duckett chose to skip his IPL contract this year. Duckett, who has never played in the IPL, was bought for Rs 2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction in December last year.
England is set to play three Tests against New Zealand in June, followed by three Tests against Pakistan in August-September. England is also set to host India for five T20Is and three ODIs in July.