Big Betrayal!! Josh Inglis’ availability bombshell after ₹8.6 Crore LSG deal leaves PBKS angry

Punjab Kings (PBKS) were unhappy after realizing that Josh Inglis could be available for more matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 than first expected. According to Cricbuzz, Inglis may change his plans by delaying his honeymoon, which could allow him to take part in more matches during the season.

Punjab Kings decided to release Josh Inglis ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter had informed officials that his wedding plans would restrict him to just four matches in the upcoming season. The IPL 2025 runners-up were looking for a player who could be available for the entire season.

LSG Acquire Josh Inglis for ₹8.6 Crore Despite Availability Concerns at IPL 2026 Auction

Josh Inglis becoming a big buy at the IPL 2026 auction surprised many people. His base price was ₹2 crore, and there were doubts about his availability, but teams showed strong interest in him.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were involved in a bidding war on auction day. LSG secured Inglis for ₹8.6 crore. The high price led to questions, as many believed he would be available for only a few matches.

Inglis had earlier been released by Punjab Kings because of his wedding plans. In 2025, he played 11 matches and scored 278 runs at a strike rate of over 160. The right-handed batter played useful cameos for the team in the tournament.

Punjab Kings finished at the top of the league table and reached the final. The team, led by Shreyas Iyer, eventually lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

LSG and SRH May Have Had Better Clarity on Josh Inglis’ Availability

According to a report by Cricbuzz, Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad may have known more about Josh Inglis’ availability than Punjab Kings when the auction took place. Both franchises have strong links to the Australian setup.

Inglis is now considering changing his post-wedding plans. He was initially expected to leave for his honeymoon straight after his April 18 wedding and miss most of IPL 2026, but he may delay it and join LSG immediately after the ceremony.

“You never know — people can make different decisions once the auction is done,” SRH bowling coach Varun Arron told Cricbuzz. ”We thought that with the relationship (Sunrisers coach) Dan (Vettori) and him have, he could maybe convince him to play a few extra games.”

Josh Inglis May Join LSG at Start of IPL 2026 Before Leaving for Wedding

The report added that Josh Inglis may start the season with Lucknow Super Giants before taking a break for his wedding. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter could then return to rejoin the squad rather than taking a honeymoon.

“Now that he has got such a bid, he might even come at the start of the season, leave for the wedding, and come back soon after,” a source told Cricbuzz.

Inglis has scored 3,853 runs in 162 T20 matches at an average of 29.86 and a strike rate of 149.98, including four centuries and 20 half-centuries. Lucknow Super Giants will be hoping he can replicate a similar impact and make a strong contribution for them in the upcoming IPL season.

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