Australian keeper-batter Josh Inglis, a key figure in Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 campaign, has informed the BCCI that he will be available for only 25 per cent of matches next season, featuring in no more than four games. Expected to be retained by Punjab Kings, his limited availability following a clash between the IPL 2026 schedule and his wedding plans led the franchise to release him, raising eyebrows across the cricketing world.
Punjab head coach Ricky Ponting confirmed that Inglis was initially slated for retention, but the Aussie star made it clear that any franchise signing him in the mini-auction would have him for just a couple of weeks.
Inglis played a pivotal role in PBKS’s journey to the IPL 2025 finale. Though he scored 278 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 162.57, his impact came in crucial moments. In the league’s final fixture, he smashed 73 off 42 balls against Mumbai Indians, helping Punjab finish in the top two. He followed it up with a match-turning performance in Qualifier 2, dispatching Jasprit Bumrah for 20 runs in a single over to secure a spot in the finale.
The 2026 IPL may see several other stars with partial availability. Australian all-rounder Ashton Agar is set to play only 65 per cent of games, while William Sutherland will feature in 80 per cent. Kiwi pacer Adam Milne will participate in 95 per cent of matches, signalling a tournament that may be slightly short of star power compared to previous editions.
