IPL 2025: Shashank Singh’s Instagram Bio drama hints at his shocking PBKS exit

The hype surrounding the IPL 2025 mega auction has intensified by speculations regarding Shashank Singh and his future with the Punjab Kings (PBKS), as the deadline for finalizing the retentions is approaching fast.

The BCCI set the deadline for the teams to submit their retentions till October 31. The right-handed middle-order batter, who had a phenomenal season in IPL 2024, removed the Punjab Kings (PBKS) from his Instagram bio, which sparked rumors that everything is not well between the player and franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) set to release last IPL season's star Shashank Singh?

Earlier, several reports were doing the rounds of Shashank Singh being potentially retained by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) as an uncapped player. But now with the explosive batter removing Punjab Kings (PBKS) from his Instagram bio, fans have been debating whether the franchise will retain Shashank or not ahead of the mega auction.

The reason behind the debate is Shashank’s standout performance in the IPL 2024, where he amassed 354 runs from 14 matches with a great average of 44.25, proving himself one of the big stars of this season. The aggressive batter made runs at an astounding strike rate of 164.65 with a career-best 68 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024.

Shashank also played an impressive knock of 61 runs against the Gujarat Titans (GT), helping PBKS chase down a daunting 200-run target to cement his reputation as a finisher. Meanwhile, BCCI's rule allows franchises to retain two uncapped players for INR 4 crore each, due to which the Punjab-based franchise might not want to spend such huge money on the star.

Shashank Singh’s future with PBKS in doubt as he removes franchise from Instagram Bio ahead of IPL 2025 Mega Auction

Now, Shashank Singh’s cryptic Instagram bio update has triggered talk that PBKS might be considering letting him go to the IPL 2025 mega auction. Previously, Shashank's bio had the mention of PBKS, but now it merely states "Professional Cricketer," raising questions about his future with the franchise ahead of the mega auction next month.

However, Shashank was very confident about his future in the IPL. The right-handed batter had said he is optimistic about getting to play for other teams if PBKS do not retain him after his breakout season earlier this year.

With Shashank being one of the most promising players who is still uncapped, several teams might rush in their bids to sign him if Punjab releases him, as they are set to build a team for the next three seasons.

There are a lot of good franchises: Shashank Singh

Shashank Singh was quoted as saying by InsideSport: “That is something which is going to happen in October-November, that is too long from now. There can be so many things happening in between that. Obviously, it would be good to play for the same franchise, but there are a lot of good franchises, apart from Punjab as well.”

He added, “I'm just hopeful that I play and excel in IPL because after last year, I have stopped expecting everything. I am grateful to God that this year I got an opportunity. I'm just hoping that next year also I get an opportunity.”