Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia has publicly criticized Australian cricketer Josh Inglis for what he describes as “unprofessional behavior” after Inglis was signed by a rival franchise during the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction. The controversy centers around Inglis’s availability for the upcoming IPL season, which has been limited due to personal commitments.
Inglis, who is currently participating in the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, played for Punjab Kings in the 2025 IPL season, scoring 278 runs with an average of 30.88. Despite his performance, the team released him last month, citing his limited availability for the 2026 season. Punjab Kings coach Ricky Ponting explained, “He wasn’t going to be available for the majority of the tournament. So for that reason, I found it pretty much impossible to be able to retain him.”
Wedding Plans and Auction Drama
The cricketer plans to get married in April next year, which he communicated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), indicating he would only be available for about 25 percent of the IPL season. Despite this, Inglis entered the IPL Auction, not expecting to be picked due to his limited availability. However, a bidding war ensued, resulting in his acquisition by the Lucknow Super Giants for 8.6 crore (approximately AU$1.4 million), a significant increase from his previous contract with Punjab.
Inglis expressed surprise at the outcome, stating, “I saw my name go by unsold in the first round… and I was like, ‘Alright stuff this, I’m going to bed’ and I need to switch on for tomorrow and then woke up to the news.”
Punjab Kings’ Reaction
Following the auction, Wadia expressed disappointment over Inglis’s late communication regarding his availability. Speaking to The Hindu, Wadia said, “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 don’t think it was very professional of him. You can’t call someone 45 minutes before and say, ‘Hey, I’m not coming,’ especially when he knew that we were retaining him,” Wadia remarked.
Potential for Change
Despite the initial announcement, there remains a possibility that Inglis might adjust his plans to accommodate more IPL games. According to a CricBuzz report, Inglis might postpone his honeymoon to participate in more matches than initially planned. Hyderabad bowling coach Varun Aaron hinted at this possibility, suggesting, “You never know — people can make different decisions once the auction is done.”
Implications and Future Outlook
The situation highlights the complexities and pressures faced by professional athletes balancing personal commitments with career opportunities. The IPL, known for its high stakes and significant financial rewards, often sees players making difficult decisions regarding their participation. Inglis’s case underscores the importance of clear communication and planning in professional sports.
As the IPL season approaches, it remains to be seen how Inglis will navigate his commitments and whether he will indeed play more matches than initially indicated. The outcome could influence future contracts and negotiations for players with personal obligations overlapping with professional commitments.
In the broader context, this incident may prompt IPL teams to reassess their communication strategies and contract negotiations to prevent similar disputes in the future. As the league continues to grow in prominence and financial impact, the stakes for both players and franchises remain high.
