Josh Inglis’ big payday at the IPL 2026 auction has opened up an unexpected can of worms, with questions now being raised over his availability and the communication surrounding it. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter was snapped up by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for Rs 8.6 crore, despite an official BCCI note stating that he would be available for only four matches next season.
That bid has not gone down well in certain quarters, particularly at Punjab Kings, who believe they were forced into releasing Inglis based on incomplete or late information from the player. According to Cricbuzz, Inglis had informed PBKS that he would have limited availability in IPL 2026 due to his wedding on April 18, followed by an immediate honeymoon.
He reportedly told the franchise that he would only be available for a short window of 10–14 days in late May. Based on that communication, Punjab released him, informing the BCCI just 45 minutes before the retention deadline on November 15. This has left a sour taste in PBKS’ mouth.
Will Inglis change his wedding plans for LSG?
What surprised PBKS officials was what unfolded at the auction table. Inglis became the subject of a bidding war between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants, with LSG eventually securing him for Rs 8.6 crore, a 231% jump from his previous salary of Rs 2.60 crore. The sense within PBKS is that other franchises may have had more clarity on Inglis’ plans than they did.
An SRH official suggested that the player’s availability was never completely fixed. “Personal reasons are always subject to change. You never know – people can make different decisions once the auction is done. So, we thought that with the relationship Dan (Daniel Vettori) and him have, he could maybe convince him to play a few extra games. And that’s where it came from,” SRH bowling coach Varun Aaron said.
There is now talk that Inglis may postpone his honeymoon and either arrive at the start of the season, briefly leave for his wedding, and return soon after. LSG head coach Justin Langer, a fellow Western Australian, is believed to be in regular touch with the player.
The situation has clearly left PBKS frustrated. Co-owner Ness Wadia openly criticised Inglis, questioning the timing of his communication. He stated that the issue was not the wedding but the fact that the franchise was informed at the very last moment, despite plans to retain the player.
Currently, Inglis is part of Australia’s Test squad at the Ashes and would end up lifting the Ashes urn as the hosts are already on a 2-0 lead. The Adelaide Test could also end in their favour by Saturday, December 20.
Most expensive overseas played at IPL auction
| No | Team | Player | Base Price | Winning Bid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KKR | Cameron Green | ₹2,00,00,000 | ₹25,20,00,000 |
| 2 | KKR | Matheesha Pathirana | ₹2,00,00,000 | ₹18,00,00,000 |
| 3 | SRH | Liam Livingstone | ₹2,00,00,000 | ₹13,00,00,000 |
| 4 | KKR | Mustafizur Rahman | ₹2,00,00,000 | ₹9,20,00,000 |
| 5 | LSG | Josh Inglis | ₹2,00,00,000 | ₹8,60,00,000 |
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