Punjab Kings (PBKS) were unhappy after realizing that Josh Inglis could be available for more matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 than previously expected. According to Cricbuzz, Inglis may change his plans by delaying his honeymoon, which could give him a chance to feature in more matches during the season.
Punjab Kings decided to release Josh Inglis ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The Australian wicketkeeper-batsman had informed officials that his marriage plans would restrict him to only four matches in the upcoming season. The IPL 2025 runners-up were looking for a player who could be available for the entire season.
LSG buy Josh Inglis for ₹8.6 crore despite availability concerns in IPL 2026 auction
Josh Inglis being bought for a huge price in the IPL 2026 auction came as a surprise to many. His base price was ₹2 crore and there were doubts about his availability, but teams showed keen interest in him.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were involved in a bidding war on the day of the auction. LSG secures Inglis for ₹8.6 crore. The high price tag led to questions, as many believed he would only be available for a few matches.
Inglis was earlier released by Punjab Kings due to his marriage plans. In 2025, he played 11 matches and scored 278 runs at a strike rate of over 160. The right-handed batsman played a useful role for the team in the tournament.
Punjab Kings topped the league table and reached the finals. The team captained by Shreyas Iyer eventually lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
LSG and SRH may get better clarity on Josh Inglis’ availability
According to a report in Cricbuzz, Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad will know more about Josh Inglis’ availability than Punjab Kings when the auction takes place. Both franchises have strong ties to the Australian setup.
Inglis is now considering changing his post-marriage plans. He was initially expected to leave for his honeymoon soon after the April 18 wedding and miss most of IPL 2026, but he may delay it and join LSG soon after the ceremony.
“You never know – people may take different decisions once the auction is done,” SRH bowling coach Varun Aaron told Cricbuzz. “We thought that given the relationship that (Sunrisers coach) Dan (Vettori) and him have, he might be able to convince him to play some extra games.”
Josh Inglis could join LSG as early as IPL 2026 before leaving for marriage
Josh Inglis could start the season with Lucknow Supergiants before taking leave for his wedding, reports suggest. The Australian wicketkeeper-batsman may return to join the team instead of taking a honeymoon.
“Now that he has got such a bid, he could even come at the beginning of the season, leave for a wedding and come back soon after,” a source told Cricbuzz.
Inglis has scored 3,853 runs in 162 T20 matches at an average of 29.86 and a strike rate of 149.98, which includes four centuries and 20 half-centuries. Lucknow Super Giants will hope that he can repeat a similar impact and make a strong contribution for them in the upcoming IPL season.
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah gets into heated altercation with fan at airport amid India-South Africa series
