Marco Jansen's Late Arrival Approved by Punjab Kings Coach Ricky Ponting for IPL 2026

Punjab Kings' head coach Ricky Ponting has sanctioned the late arrival of Marco Jansen for IPL 2026 due to logistical challenges faced after the T20 World Cup. Players from South Africa and the West Indies experienced delays in their departures from India, prompting frustrations among some. Jansen is set to join the team on March 26, while other key players will arrive shortly before the season begins. The Punjab Kings are gearing up for their first match against Gujarat Titans on March 31, marking the start of their campaign.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 18, 2026, 13:27 IST

Marco Jansen's Arrival for IPL 2026

Ricky Ponting, the head coach of Punjab Kings, has given the green light for Marco Jansen's delayed arrival for the IPL season. This decision comes as the South African all-rounder was among the last players to leave India after the T20 World Cup due to logistical challenges.

Players from South Africa and the West Indies found themselves stranded in India for over a week following the conclusion of their World Cup matches. Frustrations were voiced by some, including West Indies head coach Daren Sammy and South African batter David Miller, regarding the delays caused by limited operations at major airports like Dubai and Abu Dhabi amid ongoing regional conflicts.

Jansen, an essential player for PBKS, is scheduled to join the team on March 26. Meanwhile, Ponting and most of the foreign players are expected to arrive on March 21.

Additionally, Afghanistan's all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai will be arriving from Kabul on March 23, as his country is currently facing tensions with Pakistan.

In their inaugural season with PBKS, the combination of Ponting and Shreyas Iyer led the franchise to its first final since 2014.

A source mentioned, “Ricky is very supportive of his players. Given that Marco departed late from India, he recognizes the importance of allowing him sufficient time at home.”

Last season, the tall left-arm pacer claimed 16 wickets with an economy rate of 9.20.

Captain Iyer is anticipated to join the squad on March 19.

With the airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi still operating below their usual capacity, teams are encountering additional hurdles in coordinating player travel from the west.

Punjab Kings will kick off their 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans at home on March 31, followed by an away match against CSK on April 3.