Despite Getting Paid More in PSL, Spencer Johnson Ditches Pakistan to Play for CSK in IPL

After representing GT and KKR, Spencer Johnson joined CSK for 2026, aiming to improve a modest IPL record of five wickets at a 56.8 average.

Despite Getting Paid More in PSL, Spencer Johnson Ditches Pakistan to Play for CSK in IPL

Australian pacer Spencer Johnson has ditched the PSL to feature in IPL 2026. (via Cricketnmore)

In Short
  • Spencer Johnson has withdrawn from the PSL to join Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, despite a higher salary offer from the PSL.
  • The PSL 2026 season faces challenges with multiple player withdrawals and will now be held in Lahore and Karachi only.
  • Ben Duckett has pulled out of IPL 2026 to focus on national team duties and will face a two-season ban from the tournament.

The 2026 PSL season has been left in disarray, following a wave of player withdrawals. Australian pacer Spencer Johnson is the latest player to have pulled out after being roped in by IPL side Chennai Super Kings, even though he was potentially being offered a better contract by the PSL.

In the run-up to the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League, a multitude of challengers have emerged. The tournament, initially scheduled to be held across six different cities, will now be played in Lahore and Karachi only.

All 44 matches will be played behind closed doors, following the Pakistan government’s directive to reduce fan movement in order to conserve fuel amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Another challenge has been player exits, with top stars like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Blessing Muazarabani, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Ottniel Baartman, Dasun Shanaka having withdrawn, either due to personal reasons or workload management.

Despite their stated reasons, many of these players have subsequently signed contracts with various IPL franchises. Spencer Johnson is the latest addition to this list, with the 30-year-old pacer joining the Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2026.

Johnson was signed by Quetta Gladiators, with his original contract with the Pakistani franchise valued at around PKR 5.6 crores, which translates to INR 1.87 crores. However, the Australian pacer seems to have given up on earning INR 30 lakhs more by choosing the IPL opportunity over the lucrative PSL contract. The left-armer has been roped in by CSK for INR 1.5 crores, lower than what he would have earned with the Gladiators. 

Moreover, he is a late addition and is expected to cover for injured Australian star Nathan Ellis, who has been ruled out for the season. The pay cut, many believe, is a result of the IPL’s stature, given it offers unmatched visibility and competition to talented players. Conversely, the PSL has struggled to compete, a fact highlighted by the significant gap in prize money, with the IPL offering $2.4 million compared to the PSL’s $500,000.

Coming to Johnson, the 30-year-old will, however, not join the CSK camp until April 21, as he is currently undergoing injury rehabilitation. He is recovering from a stress fracture, which he sustained during his time with the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025.

Ben Duckett to skip IPL 2026, to face a two-season ban from the tournament

English opener Ben Duckett, less than a week before the start of IPL 2026, announced his decision to pull out of the tournament to focus on national team duties. Duckett was acquired by Delhi Capitals at the auction last December, at his base price of INR 2 crores. 

Ben Duckett opt out IPL
Ben Duckett has withdrawn from IPL 2026, where he was slated to play for Delhi Capitals. (via Guardian)

In a social media message for DC fans, Duckett apologized for not being able to join the team, while disclosing the reason behind his withdrawal. The 31-year-old shared that he had dreamt of representing England, and he hopes to be in optimal ‘physical’ and ‘mental’ shape before the start of the international calendar, with the Three Lions’ next assignment being a red-ball series against New Zealand in June. 

Ben Duckett has struggled to score runs since the start of the year. He had a woeful 2025-26 Ashes campaign, where he scored 202 runs at an average of just 20.20. He was a part of the Three Lions’ 2026 T20 World Cup squad as well, but failed to make an appearance. Because Duckett has pulled out of the IPL, he will now face a two-season ban and will also not be allowed to register for the auction. 

Back in England, the 31-year-old will play for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship. Meanwhile, he is not the first England player to face such an IPL ban, with Harry Brook also subjected to a similar fate after opting out of the 2025 season.

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