IPL Auction 2026: Ricky Ponting explains PBKS’ surprise decision to release Maxwell, Hardie and Inglis

Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) decision to release Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, and Josh Inglis ahead of the IPL 2026 auction surprised many, and head coach Ricky Ponting has clarified the reasoning behind the bold move. While the releases were primarily tactical, focused on restructuring overseas slots, Ponting revealed that Maxwell’s high valuation, both in terms of purse impact and squad composition, played a major role.

Ponting stated that freeing up overseas positions was crucial before the December 16 mini-auction, allowing the franchise more flexibility to build a balanced squad. He further explained that Hardie’s release followed similar logic, as IPL 2025 runners-up looked to reorganise their overseas department to target specific players at the auction.

Addressing the release of Inglis, Ponting acknowledged that the Australian wicketkeeper-batter delivered several important performances for PBKS during the IPL 2025 season. However, concerns regarding his availability for the 2026 edition, due to international commitments, influenced the decision to let him go.

“The biggest name we are releasing this year is Glenn Maxwell. I have worked with Glenn a long time. I love him and what he brings to the game. Unfortunately, last year we could not get the best out of him, and looking ahead we did not feel he would be in our starting team, so we decided to release him. Aaron Hardie is the other overseas all-rounder we are releasing. He never got a chance to play for us last year. It is hard to let such players go, but we need to open up overseas slots for the auction. Unfortunately, Aaron Hardie is a release,” Ponting said on the JioHotstar Retention Show.

“Josh Inglis is another one. He played some great knocks for us in the second half of the tournament. He missed a few games for different reasons and was also aware he would not be available for most of the tournament this year,” he added.

Maxwell featured in seven matches for PBKS in IPL 2025, managing just 48 runs at a disappointing average of 8.00. His impact with the ball was also minimal, as he picked up only four wickets throughout the season. In contrast, Inglis delivered a far better campaign, scoring 278 runs from 11 innings at an average of 30.88 and an impressive strike rate of 162.57.

Despite Inglis’ contributions, the franchise opted to release all three overseas players, along with Indian players Kuldeep Sen and Praveen Dubey. Following these departures, PBKS will head into the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a remaining purse of INR 11.50 crore.