Irfan Pathan Critiques Punjab Kings for Letting Go of Josh Inglis Ahead of IPL 2026

Irfan Pathan has voiced his concerns regarding the Punjab Kings' decision to release Josh Inglis ahead of IPL 2026. He argues that Inglis's absence could significantly affect the team's performance, especially given his past contributions and ability against fast bowlers. Pathan compares Inglis to other players in the squad, suggesting they lack the same caliber. As PBKS prepares for their upcoming season, the implications of this decision could be pivotal in their quest for a first IPL title. Read on to discover more about Pathan's insights and the team's upcoming challenges.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 25, 2026, 21:31 IST

Irfan Pathan's Concerns Over Josh Inglis' Departure

Irfan Pathan, a former player for franchises like Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has expressed his disappointment regarding the Punjab Kings' (PBKS) decision to release Josh Inglis. Pathan believes this move could significantly impact PBKS's chances of clinching their first IPL title in the upcoming 19th season. Inglis played a crucial role in PBKS's journey to the IPL 2025 final, amassing 278 runs with an impressive average of 30.88 and a strike rate of 162.57 over 11 matches. However, after informing the management of his unavailability for the entire IPL 2026 season, he was let go and subsequently acquired by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹8.60 crore. Pathan argues that retaining Inglis for ₹2 crore would have been a wise decision, especially considering his skills against fast bowlers on pitches that favor pace and bounce.

The Impact of Inglis' Absence on PBKS

Why Josh Inglis' Absence Might Hurt PBKS?

Pathan emphasized the significance of Inglis's absence, stating, “The most crucial factor for Punjab is that Josh Inglis is not part of the squad. I believe he could have easily been retained. Even if he was only available for a few matches, the cost aligns with the number of matches played. If you have to pay the full amount, what difference does it make? You are acquiring a player for around 2 crore rupees who adds immense value as a wicketkeeper-batsman, particularly against fast bowlers at number three. His contribution is vital on bouncy pitches.”

He further compared Inglis to Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Owen, labeling them as 'downgraded versions' who lack experience in the current conditions. “This is a significant issue because when discussing the number three batsman, Josh Inglis stands out compared to these players. We haven't seen much of Connolly and Owen in these conditions. The last time Mitch Owen played, he was dismissed early. Inglis is a proven performer, but now he is unavailable for Punjab since another team has secured him,” he noted.

PBKS is set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 31, 2026, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. Shreyas Iyer will captain the Punjab Kings as they face off against the Titans, led by Shubman Gill.