Josh Inglis Transitions from Punjab Kings to Lucknow Super Giants Amid Controversy

Josh Inglis, the Australian wicketkeeper-batter, has made headlines by moving from Punjab Kings to Lucknow Super Giants after being released due to his unavailability for IPL 2026. His late notification about his wedding plans surprised the franchise, leading to controversy over professionalism. Despite this, he was acquired for INR 8.6 crore in the auction, highlighting his value in T20 cricket. As fans await his performance, questions linger about his commitment to the upcoming season. Read on to discover more about Inglis's journey and the implications of his transfer.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 20:12 IST

Josh Inglis' Journey in IPL

Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis was previously a member of the Punjab Kings before being released ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction held in Abu Dhabi on December 16. He played a pivotal role in leading PBKS to their first IPL final in over a decade, although they ultimately lost to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Performance and Surprising Release

In his debut IPL season, Inglis showcased impressive form, scoring 278 runs, including a half-century, with an average of 30.89 across 11 matches. His omission from the retention list surprised fans and analysts alike, especially considering his standout performance in the previous season, where he demonstrated consistency both with the bat and behind the stumps.

Marriage and Auction Outcome

Ricky Ponting, the head coach, confirmed that Inglis would miss the entire IPL 2026 season due to his wedding. After his release from PBKS, he entered the auction with a base price of INR 2 crore and was acquired by the Lucknow Super Giants for an impressive INR 8.6 crore, despite questions regarding his availability.

Management's Perspective on Release

Ness Wadia, co-owner of PBKS, revealed that the decision to release Inglis was influenced by his late notification about his wedding plans, which came just 45 minutes before the retention deadline. Wadia described this as 'unprofessional,' emphasizing that the team valued Inglis and did not wish to part ways with him.

Wadia's Comments on Professionalism

Wadia expressed his disappointment over Inglis's timing in communicating his unavailability, stating, 'We didn’t really let go of Josh. He informed us at the last minute, which was not fair given his history with the team.' He further noted that it was unprofessional to wait until the last moment to share such significant news.

Future Prospects for Inglis

Despite the controversy, Wadia wished Inglis well, acknowledging his talent and potential contributions to Australia. He concluded by expressing hope regarding Inglis's participation in the IPL, stating, 'Let’s see whether he plays in the IPL or not.'

Inglis's T20 Record

Josh Inglis has a commendable T20 record, having scored 3,853 runs, which includes four centuries and 20 fifties, at an average of 29.86 and a strike rate of 149.98 over 162 matches.