In a big growth forward of the IPL 2026 public sale, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) have launched wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, who impressed in his debut IPL season this 12 months. Inglis won’t simply miss the retention checklist – he has additionally opted out of registering for the upcoming public sale scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi.
PBKS, who completed as runners-up in IPL 2025, will head into the brand new season with out considered one of their most impactful abroad performers from the earlier marketing campaign.
Cause why Punjab Kings didn’t retain Josh Inglis
Inglis loved a promising debut IPL season in 2025, scoring 278 runs in 11 matches at a median of 30.89 and an explosive strike charge of 162.57. His standout innings was an excellent 73 towards Mumbai Indians (MI), showcasing his ending skill and flexibility within the center order.
Nonetheless, Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting confirmed that Inglis personally requested to be excluded from the retention checklist on account of unavoidable household causes.
“Josh is a terrific participant. I’d have cherished to have had him as a part of our squad going ahead. However this 12 months he wasn’t going to be obtainable for almost all of the match,” Ponting stated in PBKS’ official assertion.
“For that cause, I discovered it just about unattainable to have the ability to retain him.”
Ponting added that the choice was emotionally troublesome for the crew administration, given Inglis’ sturdy debut season and his potential as a long-term asset.
Punjab Kings lose key abroad choice however acquire public sale flexibility
The departure of Inglis leaves PBKS with two abroad slots open heading into the IPL 2026 mini public sale. The Preity Zinta-owned franchise may even enter the public sale room with a remaining purse of INR 11.5 crore, permitting them room to pursue a wicketkeeper-batter or a specialist finisher to fill the hole left by Inglis.
Additionally READ: IPL 2026 Commerce – Delhi Capitals make late-minute name to retain KL Rahul, stopping his shift to KKR
Punjab Kings now face a rebuilding problem as they appear to solidify their center order. With the public sale pool anticipated to characteristic a number of worldwide abilities, PBKS could goal a substitute able to replicating Inglis’ aggressive batting type.
Regardless of reaching the ultimate in IPL 2025, Punjab Kings have undergone a number of changes forward of the 2026 season, releasing a number of gamers (Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Kuldeep Sen and Praveen Dubey), whereas holding religion of their core group. Inglis’ absence, though sudden, offers the franchise with the flexibleness to pivot methods primarily based on availability and crew stability necessities.
As PBKS head into the Abu Dhabi public sale, all eyes can be on how they make the most of their purse and abroad slots to strengthen their squad for clinching maiden IPL title.
Additionally READ: Aakash Chopra predicts the most costly participant within the IPL 2026 public sale
