In an important development ahead of ipl 2026 auctionPunjab Kings (PBKS) have released wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis, who impressed in his debut IPL season this year. Inglis will not only miss the retention list – he has also refused to register for the upcoming auction to be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.
PBKS, who finished runners-up in IPL 2025, will head into the new season without one of their most impressive overseas performers from the last campaign.
Reason why Punjab Kings did not retain Josh Inglis
english Enjoyed a great start to the IPL season in 2025, scoring 278 runs in 11 matches at an average of 30.89 and an explosive strike rate of 162.57. His standout innings was a brilliant 73 against Mumbai Indians (MI), which showcased his finishing ability and versatility in the middle order.
However, Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting confirmed that Inglis had personally requested to be left out of the retention list due to unavoidable family reasons.
“Josh is a great player. I would have loved to have him on our team going forward. But this year he was not going to be available for the majority of the tournament.” Ponting said in an official PBKS statement.
“For the same reason, I found it quite impossible to be able to retain him.”
Ponting said that the decision was emotionally difficult for the team management, given Inglis’s strong debut season and his potential as a long-term asset.
Punjab Kings lose crucial overseas option but gain flexibility in auction
With Inglis’s departure, PBKS have two overseas slots open for the IPL 2026 mini auction. The Preity Zinta-owned franchise will also enter the auction chamber with a remaining purse of Rs 11.5 crore, giving them a chance to pursue a wicketkeeper-batsman or specialist finisher to fill the gap left by Inglis.
Also read: IPL 2026 Trade – Delhi Capitals make late call to retain KL Rahul, preventing his shift to KKR
Punjab Kings now face a rebuilding challenge as they look to strengthen their middle order. With several international talents expected to be included in the auction pool, PBKS may be targeting replacements capable of replicating Inglis’s aggressive batting style.
Despite reaching the final in IPL 2025, Punjab Kings have made several adjustments ahead of the 2026 season, releasing several players (Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Kuldeep Sen and Praveen Dubey) while maintaining faith in their core group. Inglis’ absence, though unexpected, provides the franchise with the flexibility to pursue strategies based on availability and team balance requirements.
With PBKS heading into the Abu Dhabi auction, all eyes will be on how they utilize their purse and overseas slots to strengthen their team to win their maiden IPL title.
Also read: Aakash Chopra predicts the most expensive player in the IPL 2026 auction
