PBKS Released Players List Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
PBKS expected to release Maxwell, Stoinis, Ferguson, and others before IPL 2026 while retaining their strong 2025 core.
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are preparing their final retention list for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, with the deadline falling today, November 15, 2025. After a strong 2025 season where they finished as runners-up, PBKS are expected to keep their core intact while letting go of several high-priced, underperforming players to boost their auction purse.
The team’s strategy is centered on backing the players who carried them to the final while freeing up space for fresh overseas options and young domestic talent.
PBKS Released Players List Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
Among the major names on the likely release list is Glenn Maxwell, who had a forgettable 2025 season. He scored only 48 runs in seven matches before being dropped, making it hard for PBKS to justify his retention.
Fellow all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, bought for ₹11 crore in 2025, also failed to deliver consistent match-winning performances and may be released to free up a large chunk of the budget.
Pacer Lockie Ferguson never got going due to injury, missing the entire 2025 season. His ongoing fitness concerns make his release likely as PBKS look for more dependable pace options.
All-rounders Azmatullah Omarzai and Aaron Hardie may both be released as well. Omarzai showed promise with the ball but did not contribute enough with the bat, while Hardie did not play a single match in 2025.
Domestic players Praveen Dubey and Musheer Khan are also expected to be part of the reshuffle as the team prepares for a more balanced bench going into the new season.
Despite these cuts, PBKS will keep the core group that powered their 2025 turnaround. This includes captain Shreyas Iyer, opener Shashank Singh, and strike bowler Arshdeep Singh. Veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is also expected to be retained after an impressive campaign.
Among overseas players, Marco Jansen and Josh Inglis are likely to stay on, giving PBKS strong all-round skill and reliable batting depth.
With a solid backbone and room to spend, PBKS will enter the Abu Dhabi mini-auction targeting a power-hitting finisher and injury-free pace options to complete their squad.
