Punjab Kings release 11 players ahead of IPL 2026 auction, freeing ₹12.8 crore. Core team led by Shreyas Iyer retained as franchise targets pace reinforcements and middle-order balance.
By Sirisha Kedari | 2 November 2025
The countdown to the IPL 2026 mini auction has begun, and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are making bold moves to strengthen their squad. After a stellar IPL 2025 season that saw them finish as runners-up, the franchise has released 11 players, freeing up ₹12.8 crore in their purse ahead of the new campaign.
🏏 Punjab Kings Release 11 Players
As per reports, PBKS have parted ways with several experienced names to revamp their squad with fresh talent. Those released include:
- Glenn Maxwell
- Vishnu Vinod
- Harnoor Pannu
- Pyla Avinash
- Aaron Hardie
- Xavier Bartlett
- Suryansh Hedge
- Yash Thakur
- Pravin Dubey
- Kuldeep Sen
- Lockie Ferguson
By letting go of underperformers and injury-prone players, the management aims to build a younger, more dynamic unit. The release of high-salaried stars like Maxwell (₹4.2 crore) and Ferguson (₹2 crore) gives PBKS flexibility for key signings at the upcoming auction.
🔴 Retained Core for IPL 2026
Despite the cuts, Punjab Kings have retained a solid core under captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting. The team’s consistency in IPL 2025 was built on strong batting depth and improved bowling execution.
Expected Retained Players:
Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Harpreet Brar, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Arshdeep Singh, Musheer Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai.
The top order of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya gave Punjab explosive starts, while Iyer and Inglis provided middle-order stability. With Stoinis and Omarzai adding all-round depth, PBKS have one of the most balanced line-ups in the league.
⚡ Bowling Department: Areas to Strengthen
While Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar anchor the spin attack, PBKS may eye another quality spinner as backup. In the pace unit, Arshdeep Singh remains the spearhead, but finding a consistent overseas partner will be a key focus after Ferguson’s exit.
💰 PBKS Auction Strategy 2026
With ₹12.8 crore in hand, Punjab Kings are expected to:
- Sign a world-class overseas pacer for death overs.
- Add a backup spinner to support Chahal and Brar.
- Target in-form all-rounders for flexibility.
- Strengthen domestic batting reserves for squad depth.
The management is keen to maintain continuity while adding strategic reinforcements — a balance that fueled their 2025 success.
🏆 PBKS Eye First IPL Title
Punjab Kings have a clear-cut IPL 2026 roadmap that shows both their aspiration and their wisdom. The team has released some of the expensive players but still keeps the strong core under the leadership of Iyer that is supporting the team in their fight for the first IPL trophy ever.
The Kings are ready to change the despair of last year into victory in IPL 2026 with new money, youthful spirit, and a determined auction strategy.
