Explained: Why PBKS have accused Josh Inglis of being unprofessional over IPL 2026 availability

LSG signed Inglis for INR 6 crore more than his PBKS deal

Punjab had signed the Australian wicketkeeper-batter at the mega auction last year for INR 2.6 crore, and he played a crucial role as they reached their first final in 11 years. Captain Shreyas Iyer, who had revealed his intention of playing at No. 3 for PBKS throughout IPL 2025, moved down the order to accommodate Inglis.

The move bore fruit, with the Australian scoring 278 runs in 11 games at a strike-rate of 162.57. He even famously took down Jasprit Bumrah in the playoffs to ensure Punjab’s passage to the final, and was widely expected to be retained by the franchise.

However, as claimed by PBKS owner Ness Wadia, Inglis informed them of their unavailability for the majority of IPL 2026 just 45 minutes before the retention deadline on November 15. He was subsequently released, with expectations that he would only play four games in the upcoming season. Explaining the move, Wadia told The Hindu after the mini auction:

“I think everyone knew when the retention was coming, and we were informed by him 45 minutes before the deadline that he was getting married and needed time to relax and recuperate. He said he was going to be available only for a couple of weeks. We told him he should have informed us earlier. I don’t think it was very professional of him. I don’t think it is very professional of anyone if they know there is a deadline. You can’t call someone 45 minutes before and say, ‘Hey, I’m not coming,’ especially when he knew that we were retaining him.

“But I wish him all the best. He is a good player and I am sure he will do well for Australia. And let’s see whether he plays in the IPL or not. I wish him all the best because he is a fellow human being. But the manner in which he behaved was not very professional.”

Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad were then involved in a bidding war for Inglis, with the former signing him for INR 8.6 crore, more than thrice of what PBKS shelled out to buy him in 2025.

‘People can make different decisions once the auction is done’ – SRH bowling coach Varun Aaron

As per Cricbuzz, Inglis had informed PBKS that he would only be available for a maximum of two weeks in late May, as he planned to go on a honeymoon after his marriage on April 18, with the IPL set to run from March 26 to May 31. But LSG and SRH’s bidding war suggested he could be available for longer than previously expected.

SRH bowling coach Varun Aaron’s comments further cast doubts over the matter, hinting that they were hoping head coach Daniel Vettori would convince Inglis to play a longer run of games. Australia skipper Pat Cummins captains SRH as well.

"Look, he obviously was going to be out for personal reasons. And that's always subject to change. You never know - people can make different decisions once the auction is done. So, we thought that with the relationship Dan (Daniel Vettori) and he have, he could maybe convince him to play a few extra games. And that's where it came from,” he told the media after the auction.

‘I didn’t expect to go (to IPL 2026)’: Inglis

Then, on the sidelines of the ongoing Adelaide Test, Inglis further clarified on the issue, telling ABC Sports that he wasn’t expected to be picked at the auction.

"Well, I sort of watched a lot of it (auction) and I was pushed back in the pecking order. I don't have full availability this year. I'm getting married in early April. So, I didn't really expect to go, to be honest. So I sort of saw my name go by unsold. The first one I was like 'alright stuff this, I'm going to bed' and I need to switch on for tomorrow (Adelaide Test) and then woke up to the news. I didn't know until I'd seen a few messages this morning."

Cricbuzz have since reported that Inglis might now be available for longer during IPL 2026, featuring at the start of the tournament before leaving for his marriage and then returning after the event while postponing his honeymoon plans.

At LSG, Inglis reunites with Justin Langer, under whom he played for the Perth Scorchers in the BBL.

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