Punjab Kings (PBKS) have taken a big decision ahead of IPL 2026 and it is all about the care of their key overseas stars. Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting will join the franchise on March 21, but some key players will reach India a few days later.
South African young all-rounder Marco Johnson will not be included in the PBKS squad along with the first batch of foreign players. Jensen will be given extra time to recover and reset after the recent ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Ricky Ponting makes big decision as Punjab Kings delay Marco Johnson’s arrival
Ricky Ponting has reportedly given his permission for Johnson to join Punjab Kings on 26 March. The head coach took this decision keeping in mind how many South African and West Indies players faced problems in getting home after the T20 World Cup 2026 due to the Iran-Israel and USA wars.
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Many players were stranded for more than a week as flight movements in West Asia were severely affected due to the war and this caused significant delays for the players. Jansen was among those who left for home late from India, so PBKS did not want to bring him back again.
The left-arm pacer had a good season last year, taking 16 wickets at an economy of 9.20 and in this 2026 season too, the Proteas star is expected to play a key role for PBKS.
Shreyas Iyer and Azmatullah Omarzai will join the PBKS camp on this day
Meanwhile, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer is set to join the team on March 19 in a big boost to the team’s preparations ahead of IPL 2026. However, Ponting and most of the foreign players are expected to join the Punjab Kings camp on March 21.
Despite tension in the country due to Pakistan’s continuous attacks, Afghanistan’s all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai is all set to join the team from Kabul on March 23.
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“Ricky fully supports his players. Considering Marco’s late departure from India, he understands the need to give them adequate time at home,” PTI quoted a source as saying.
There is no major weakness in Punjab Kings team
Meanwhile, Pathan also said that on paper Punjab Kings look to be a strong and balanced team, especially due to their deep batting line-up and good fast bowling attack. PBKS will start their 2026 campaign on March 31 against Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh.
Pathan said on JioHotstar: “If I look at this team, it is quite settled. With Shreyas Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, the top order is settled, followed by Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh. Those guys just pick themselves, and then Stoinis’ finishing ability will also be required.
After that, they’re trying to rely on Mitch Owen, who really is a powerhouse. If he is successful, it will not be difficult to pick off the fast bowlers and the rest of the line-up. My eyes will be on the fast bowlers of this team, Arshdeep, Marco Johnson and Ferguson, they are completely settled. They also have good backups.”
