New Delhi: Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹8.6 crore in the IPL 2026 auction, but his former franchise, Punjab Kings (PBKS), has expressed disappointment over his last-minute unavailability due to personal reasons.
Last-Minute Notification Upsets PBKS Ownership
PBKS co-owner Ness Wadia revealed that Inglis informed the franchise only 45 minutes before the auction that he would miss most of the IPL season due to his upcoming wedding. Wadia described the timing as inappropriate, especially since Inglis had been associated with the franchise for some time. Inglis himself confirmed that his availability would be limited to only a few weeks, leading to further challenges for the team’s planning.
Professional Conduct Questioned
Expressing his displeasure, Wadia said, “I don’t think this was a very professional approach. It’s not professional to inform anyone 45 minutes before a deadline that you won’t be available, especially when they were planning to retain you. But I wish him well. He is a good player, and I am sure he will perform well for Australia. Let’s see if he plays in the IPL or not.”
Josh Inglis Explains His Availability
Inglis confirmed that his wedding is scheduled for April, coinciding with the IPL 2026 window (26 March – 31 May). Speaking to ABC Sport, he said, “I watched a large part of the auction and felt my name might not come up, as I wasn’t available for the full season. My wedding is in early April. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to be picked. When I saw my name go through, my first thought was, ‘Okay, I’ll skip it and focus on the Ashes.’ I only realized the full situation after seeing some messages this morning.”
Inglis had played for PBKS in the 2025 IPL season, where the team finished as runners-up. He scored 278 runs in 11 matches, making him a valuable asset despite limited availability.
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