Josh Inglis was bought by LSG in IPL 2026 auction for INR 8.60 crore.
Ness Wadia, co-owner of the Punjab Kings, stated in a recent interview that Australian player Josh Inglis misled the franchise regarding his availability for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season.
PBKS released the Australian wicketkeeper-batter before the auction, after head coach Ricky Ponting highlighted Inglis’ limited availability for the IPL 2026.
Despite doubts about Inglis' availability, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) paid INR 8.60 crore for him at the mini auction that was held in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
“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 (three games),” Wadia was quoted as saying to Sportstar.
“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," Wadia added.
However, Wadia wished all the best to Josh Inglis and wished he did well for Australia and in the IPL, whether he plays or not.
“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," Ness Wadia added.
Josh Inglis was a standout for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2025. In 11 matches for the PBKS, he scored 278 runs. In their final league game against the Mumbai Indians in Jaipur, Inglis delivered a key performance, scoring 73 runs off 42 balls to chase down a 185-run mark and secure a 7-wicket victory.