Lockie Ferguson shows disloyalty to Ricky Ponting, pulls out of IPL 2026 matches

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has confirmed that he will be unavailable for the opening matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The right-arm pacer informed Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting that he wants to prioritize family time following the birth of his newborn son.

PBKS retained Ferguson for the IPL 2026 season at a salary of ₹2 crore. The fast bowler took five wickets in four matches for the Kings at an average of 20.80 and an economy rate of 9.17 during the previous campaign. Overall, he has taken 51 wickets in 49 matches at an average of 30 and an economy rate of 8.97.

Lockie Ferguson Prioritizes Family Over Franchise Commitments

Lockie Ferguson picked up three wickets for just 16 runs during the second T20 International against South Africa. Speaking ahead of the third T20 International in Auckland, the 34-year-old pacer shared his decision-making process regarding his absence from the early stages of IPL 2026.

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"Just had a wee son, trying to spend as much time as I can at home and help the wife out. I'll have a few weeks off after this, before sort of heading to the later stages of the IPL and away for the winter," Ferguson said.

"Cricket, in general, is on the up, which is amazing. Sometimes the hard part is selecting when to take a rest. So, picking this time, which I think is pretty fair, considering the wife was looking after the baby when I was in the World Cup. So, no, really looking forward to some time at home and then back into some cricket after that," he added.

Lockie Ferguson Takes Paternity Break; PBKS' Backup Options

Lockie Ferguson previously took a short paternity leave during the T20 World Cup 2026. The fast bowler spent around four days with his family before rejoining the New Zealand squad for the crucial Super Eight stage of the tournament.

The BlackCaps suffered a massive 96-run defeat in the World Cup final against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ferguson endured a forgettable outing, conceding 48 runs without claiming a single wicket.

With Ferguson unavailable for the early fixtures, Punjab Kings might slot Australian fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis into their playing XI. The franchise spent ₹4.4 crore at the auction to acquire Dwarshuis, who remains the second-highest wicket-taker in Big Bash League history.

Notably, the Kings also have strong pace-bowling depth. The franchise can utilize Indian quicks Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur, and Vyshak Vijaykumar, alongside overseas all-rounders Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Marcus Stoinis.

I'm Still Very Committed to Play for New Zealand - Lockie Ferguson

Despite lacking a central contract, Lockie Ferguson remains eager to represent New Zealand in upcoming ICC events. The fast bowler admitted that he continues to work hard to maintain match fitness ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup.

"They thought this was my last game (laughs). No, I'm still very committed to play for New Zealand. I really enjoyed my time with the group in India. I feel the squad we have got together has a lot of high expectations within our group. We obviously didn't quite get it done in India, but at the same time a lot to be proud of from that tournament."

The Punjab Kings pacer has featured in 65 ODIs for New Zealand, picking up 99 wickets at an average of 31.55. In the T20I format, he has secured 75 wickets from 53 matches at an impressive average of 17.94 at an economy rate of 7.44.

Also read: Mitchell Starc ditches Delhi Capitals, pulls out of IPL 2026 matches