New Delhi: Punjab Kings (PBKS) enjoyed a stellar campaign under new captain Shreyas Iyer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, reaching their first final since 2014. However, they failed to lift the elusive trophy after losing to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final. PBKS have a settled core and might be among the least busy teams in the upcoming IPL 2026 auction.

They have a solid Indian batting core comprising Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Priyash Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, along with a strong Indian pace attack led by Arshdeep Singh. PBKS also have some quality overseas all-rounders in their ranks, however, they might need to release a few to rejig their squad and strengthen other departments ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Top 4 players Punjab Kings might release ahead of IPL 2026 auction:

Glenn Maxwell

Punjab Kings signed Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell for Rs 4.2 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction last year, expecting him to play a big role for the franchise. However, Maxwell’s inconsistencies continued to haunt him as he could only manage 48 runs in 7 matches. He picked up 4 wickets with the ball. PBKS might release Maxwell and replace him with some other quality overseas all-rounder.

Azmatullah Omarzai

Punjab Kings snapped up Afghanistan all-rounder Azamtullah Omarzai for a sum of Rs 2.4 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. The highly-rated Omarzai played 9 matches for the team, but could only score 57 runs last season. He was decent with the ball, snapping up 8 wickets. PBKS might consider releasing him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Aaron Hardie

Bought for Rs 1.25 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction last year, Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie didn’t get a single game for Punjab Kings last season. He failed to make the cut as the franchise preferred the likes of Maxwell, Omarzai and Marcus Stoinis over him. PBKS might release him to use the funds elsewhere in the IPL 2026 auction.

Lockie Ferguson

Punjab Kings bought New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson for Rs 2 crore at the mega auction last year, however, they failed to utilise his services as he was ruled out due to an injury before the start of the season. PBKS are likely to keep hold of his replacement Kyle Jamieson and might let go of Ferguson ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 auction.