IPL 2026: PBKS coach Ricky Ponting prioritises Ashes over auction; Shreyas Iyer likely to lead table: Report

Punjab Kings have retained 21 players ahead of IPL 2026 auction.

The Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) auction will be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16. The day-long event will witness all ten teams go for some of the biggest names.

According to a report carried by Cricbuzz, Punjab Kings (PBKS) coach Ricky Ponting is likely to miss the event. PBKS captain and Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer is likely to be part of the bidding process in Abu Dhabi.

The former Australian skipper is part of the Channel Seven network, commentating on the ongoing Ashes 2025 series. The third test match in the high-octane series is set to begin on 17th December at the Adelaide Oval.

Cricbuzz’s report also stated that every franchise has to submit the names of representatives who will be part of the auction process. The report also suggests that PBKS have already slotted in Shreyas Iyer’s name as one of the attendees for the event.

Punjab Kings retain core of their squad

IPL 2025 saw Punjab Kings play exemplary cricket and reach their second-ever finals before losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, PBKS released veteran Australian star Glenn Maxwell along with Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Kyle Jamieson, Kuldeep Sen, and Praveen Dubey.

PBKS retained the majority of the players who were part of the IPL 2025 season, including young talents Musheer Khan and Suryansh Shedge. The two-time IPL finalists have INR 11.5 Crores left in the bank with two slots left for international players.

Daniel Vettori is likely to be part of Hyderabad’s auction table

Meanwhile, Australia’s assistant coach Daniel Vettori is likely to travel to Abu Dhabi for the IPL 2026 auctions.

The former New Zealand skipper is the head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by Aussie skipper Pat Cummins. According to reports carried by Cricbuzz, Vettori has asked permission from Cricket Australia to participate in the event.

The report also suggests that Cricket Australia is fully prepared to give Vettori a clearance to travel to Abu Dhabi and return in time for the Adelaide test match.

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