IPL 2026 Mini-Auction The event, scheduled to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on December 16, is fast approaching, and logistics planning for the event is already underway, as confirmed by a recent Cricbuzz report. One of the major discussion points revolved around the presence of key team personnel, with a notable absence expected Punjab Kings (PBKS) Coaching staff.
Possible absence of Ricky Ponting from IPL 2026 mini-auction auction? Here’s what we know
According to Cricbuzz report, head coach of Punjab Kings ricky ponting will not participate in the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant personnel change for the franchise’s delegation. Ponting’s inability to attend arose from his prior contractual commitments with a major Australian broadcaster for the Ashes Test series.
Reports suggest that the third Test is scheduled to start just a day after the auction, making it impossible for the coach to travel to the Middle East for the bidding event. This situation means that the PBKS management team will have to execute their detailed auction strategy without immediate input from their head coach, emphasizing the importance of strong pre-auction planning and defined player targets. This absence is particularly significant as PBKS have strategic goals of filling the four remaining slots, including two overseas positions, given their modest remaining purse of Rs 11.50 crore after retaining 21 players, the highest number of retentions among all the ten franchises.
Also read: Explanation: Why Harry Brook will not be included in the IPL 2026 mini-auction
Will Shreyas Iyer lead the PBKS delegation at the IPL 2026 mini-auction?
In the wake of Ponting’s absence being confirmed, Cricbuzz reports that the PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer He is expected to play a leadership role for the franchise’s auction delegation in Abu Dhabi. Iyer, who is currently recovering from a spleen injury suffered while playing for India in October, has submitted his name to the BCCI as part of allowing a maximum of eight team representatives inside the auction hall.
The move is in line with an emerging trend in the IPL, where franchises are empowering their captains to influence the squad composition, as previously seen with Stats Gautam Gambhir But Kolkata Knight Riders And Rishabh Pant But Delhi Capitals,
Iyer’s involvement is crucial for PBKS as they need to use their limited funds efficiently to secure some high-impact players, and his on-field experience and understanding of team balance and dressing room dynamics will be invaluable in making immediate, high-pressure decisions at the auction table to achieve their priority targets.
Also read: 5 uncapped stars who can start a bidding war in IPL 2026 mini auction
