As auction fever grips cricket fans ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16, there’s a twist in the tale for one star: Australia’s Josh Inglis. The 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, fresh from a solid season with Punjab Kings (PBKS), has told the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he can only commit to four matches if picked — effectively making him available for just about 25 % of the season.
Inglis, who scored 278 runs in 11 games last season with a striking 73-off-42 against Mumbai Indians, has a base auction price of ₹2 crore.
However, his limited availability — reportedly due to personal commitments, including his upcoming wedding — has led PBKS to release him ahead of the auction.
That leaves other franchises in a dilemma: while Inglis offers explosive batting and reliable wicket-keeping, his restricted availability poses a risk. Most teams aim for consistency throughout the season; counting on a player for barely a handful of games can disrupt team balance and strategy.
Given the stiff competition — over 1,300 players have registered for the auction — Inglis could struggle to find a buyer willing to invest at his base price. Within the ₹2 crore bracket, there are multiple international stars aiming to secure a slot, making squad selection even tougher for franchises.
For Inglis, the path forward isn’t easy. Unless a franchise values his hit-and-run capability for a short stint, his chances appear slim. If IPL 2026 is to feature a full, competitive season for him, the upcoming auction may prove to be make or break.
