3 Overseas Players Who Might Get Banned In IPL 2026 Because Of Withdrawing

Jason Roy has pulled twice out of IPL [Source: @KRxtra/x.com]Jason Roy has pulled twice out of IPL [Source: @KRxtra/x.com]

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has drawn a line in the sand, imposing a strict two-year ban on overseas players who withdraw from the IPL after being picked during the auction. The new rule is BCCI’s way of putting their foot down after multiple foreign stars pulled out without what franchises consider a "legitimate reason."

As the IPL 2025 season approaches, whispers abound about which overseas players could be in the hot seat. With history as a guide, these three cricketers, having withdrawn in the past, might find themselves walking on eggshells if they repeat the same mistakes.

Here’s a look at 3 cricketers who might get banned in IPL 2026 because of withdrawing.

1. Jason Roy

Once Bitten, Twice Shy, But Thrice? England opener, Jason Roy, has already burned his bridges twice in recent IPL history. After being picked by Gujarat Titans in 2022 for INR 2 crore, Roy withdrew citing "family reasons and bubble fatigue."

Two years later, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) placed their faith in him again, only to see Roy back out before IPL 2024 kicked off. While KKR found solace in Phil Salt, who filled Roy’s shoes admirably, it left a sour taste for the franchise.

With two withdrawals under his belt, Roy might find himself with a target on his back heading into the 2026 auction. If history repeats itself, he could be the first to face the wrath of the BCCI’s new policy. If Roy pulls out again, the BCCI may well slam the door shut on his IPL career for two long years.

2. Alex Hales

Another England opener, Alex Hales might be skating on thin ice. In 2022, after being snapped up by KKR for INR 1.5 crore, Hales withdrew from the tournament, attributing it to bubble fatigue. Though Aaron Finch stepped in to fill the void, KKR’s faith in the Englishman had already been shaken.

The BCCI’s new regulations are a clear warning shot across the bow, and Hales may need to tread carefully moving forward. If he throws in the towel before IPL 2026 begins, the rulebook will be unforgiving, and he could end up on the sidelines.

Hales, already known for walking away once, might find himself banished from the IPL for two seasons if he tries to pull the same stunt again.

3. Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan could be walking into a minefield if he continues to juggle international commitments with franchise cricket.

In IPL 2023, despite being picked by KKR after the Bangladesh Cricket Board had informed the IPL about its players’ availability, Shakib withdrew at the eleventh hour. Citing "personal reasons" and national duty, the all-rounder left KKR scrambling for a replacement.

While his reasons were legitimate, they still irked the franchise, especially as they never got to see him even don the KKR jersey that season. If Shakib were to register for the IPL 2026 auction and then withdraw again, the BCCI’s new rule could land him in hot water.

Conclusion

The BCCI’s new rule is a cannonball aimed squarely at foreign players who might be toying with the idea of pulling out of the IPL post-auction. Jason Roy, Alex Hales, and Shakib Al Hasan - three players with a history of backing out — may find themselves on a slippery slope heading into IPL 2026.

If they don’t toe the line, they could be shown the door for two seasons, leaving them to watch the world's biggest cricket league from the sidelines. In a tournament where time and tide wait for none, missing two seasons could be the kiss of death for any player’s IPL career.