Punjab Kings issue official statement on Josh Inglis ‘SCAM’ after IPL 2026 auction
Published - 19 Dec 2025, 11:37 AM | Updated - 19 Dec 2025, 11:40 AM
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Punjab Kings (PBKS) were left frustrated and disappointed ahead of the IPL 2026 season after an unexpected last-minute situation involving Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis. The PBKS co-owner Ness Wadia has expressed his disappointment over how the situation unfolded.
Wadia revealed that the Punjab Kings were keen to keep Josh Inglis and had him firmly in their plans for the upcoming season. But Inglis left them frustrated and disappointed by informing the franchise at the last minute that he would only be available for just a few weeks in the upcoming IPL 2026 because his wedding was scheduled for early April.
Punjab Kings co-owner expresses disappointment over Josh Inglis’ late IPL 2026 call
The Australian wicketkeeper-batter also mentioned that he would need time after the wedding to relax and recover, which further reduced his availability. Wadia said that the issue was never about the wedding itself for the Punjab management. The concern was the timing of the communication.
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Josh Inglis had been part of the Punjab setup for a while and was fully aware that the retention deadline was approaching. Despite this, the franchise was informed barely 45 minutes before the deadline, leaving almost no time to rethink plans or make alternative decisions.
Wadia felt this last-minute update put the team in a difficult position. The sudden call forced PBKS to scramble at the last moment, and the franchise co-owner felt this situation could have been avoided with clearer and earlier communication.
Ness Wadia is unhappy with Josh Inglis’ communication timing
Ness Wadia was quoted as saying by Sportstar: “We didn't really let go of Josh. I mean, Josh, unfortunately, sadly, only told us at the last minute, which was not very fair, given that he had been with us for a while. I think everyone knew when the retention was coming, and we were informed by him 45 minutes before the deadline that he was getting married and needed time to relax and recuperate. He said he was going to be available only for a couple of weeks.”
He further added, “We told him he should have informed us earlier. I don't think it was very professional of him. I don't think it is very professional of anyone if they know there is a deadline. You can't call someone 45 minutes before and say, 'Hey, I'm not coming,' especially when he knew that we were retaining him.”
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He behaved very unprofessionally, but I wish him all the best: Ness Wadia
Wadia also slammed Josh Inglis for his unprofessional attitude after the IPL 2026 Auction. However, the PBKS co-owner wished the Australian cricketer the best for the future.
Notably, after initially going unsold, Inglis sparked an intense bidding war between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the IPL 2026 Auction. The LSG eventually signed Inglis for a hefty INR 8.6 crore, and it seems that they have invested for the future.
He signed off by saying, “But I wish him all the best. He is a good player, and I am sure he will do well for Australia. And let's see whether he plays in the IPL or not. I wish him all the best because he is a fellow human being. But the manner in which he behaved was not very professional.”
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