upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auctionThe match, to be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16, presents a significant risk for the Australian wicketkeeper-batsman josh inglisDespite their proven match-winning ability.
Why Australia’s Josh Inglis may go unsold in IPL 2026 mini auction?
According to Cricbuzz reportInglis, who previously played an important role in punjab kingshas been informed bcci That he will be available for only a portion of the tournament, specifically, only 25 percent, or about four matches. This severely restricted availability, coupled with his high base price of Rs 2 crore, creates a financial and tactical conundrum making it highly likely that he will remain unsold, as franchises look for full season returns on their limited overseas slots and auction purses.
The main issue threatening Inglis’s auction chances is his self-declared availability for only four matches of the IPL 2026 season due to personal commitments, including his wedding plans. For an IPL franchise, a high-value foreign player must provide continuity and be included in the playing eleven for the entire tournament. Setting a premium auction price for a player available for only a few weeks at or above his base price of Rs 2 crore is an investment that teams are financially incentivized to avoid.
The absence of a top player for most of the season forces a team to throw off its balance, struggle for a replacement (possibly an inferior or unproven foreign option) and waste a valuable foreign slot. The report further added that this concern was already demonstrated when PBKS released Inglis after informing him about his limited schedule, despite his brilliant match-winning innings last season. PBKS Coach ricky ponting It was clearly stated that English was unavailable. “Most of the tournament” made his retention “impossible,” Setting an example that is likely to be followed by other franchises.
Inglis registers in IPL 2026 mini auction with base price of Rs 2 crore
Josh Inglis has chosen the maximum base price of Rs 2 crore, placing him in the auction’s elite class of fully available, high-impact international stars. Cameron Green, Liam Livingstone And devon conwayThe combination of this premium price tag with his extremely limited availability (only 25% of matches) makes his retention cost prohibitive for almost all teams, especially those with low balance sheets, Mumbai Indians (INR 2.75 Crore) or punjab kings (INR 11.5 crore).
Furthermore, Inglis enters the auction amid a highly competitive pool of overseas wicketkeeper-batsmen and power-hitters. Franchises can secure a player with comparable T20 finishing skills who will be available for the entire season at the same or even lower price. Given the strict team limit (a maximum of eight overseas players) and the opportunity cost of devoting a valuable slot to a part-time player, teams are likely to strategically spend their capital on other full-time options, making Inglis an inevitable auction casualty.
Also read: Glenn Maxwell has issued a touching statement after withdrawing from the IPL 2026 auction.
