This IPL 2026 mini-auction The scheduled December 16 event at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi is fast approaching and logistical planning for the event is already underway as confirmed by a recent CricBuzz report. One of the main talking points continues to be around the continuity of the first team personnel, with a notable absence by a conspicuous absence. kings of punjab (pbks) The coaching staff.
Ricky Ponting’s potential absence from the IPL 2026 mini-auction? Here’s what we know
According to a Cricbuzz report, the Punjab Kings head coach Ricky ponting He will not participate in the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant personnel change for the franchise’s delegation. Ponting’s unavailability stems from the Ashes donating an advance contract to a major Australian broadcaster for the Test series.
The report said the third test is scheduled to start a day after the auction, making it logically impossible for the technical director to travel east for the technical director’s bid. This situation means that the PBS management team emphasizes the importance of a strong auction strategy, strong pre-auction planning and set player targets. This absence, after retaining 21 players, remains the most across all ten franchises, with a maximum of rs 11.50 crores, including two overseas slots, including two Foreign positions filling strategic objectives, including two Foreign positions strategic objectives, two overseas positions.
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Shreyas iyer will lead pbks delegation in IPL 2026 mini-auction
In the case of Ponting’s disconfirmation, the CricBuzz report points out that the pbks captain Shreyas eats In Abu Dhabi, the franchise is expected to take the lead role for the auction delegation. Iyer, who is currently recovering from a splenic injury while playing for India in October, has submitted his name to the BTCI under the maximum allocation of eight delegates currently allowed in the Auction Hall.
The move follows a growing trend toward leveraged donations, a practice previously seen in numbers that franchises are becoming more and more powerful as they go. Gautam Gambhir horse Kolkata Knight Riders and Rishabh pants horse Capitals of Delhi.
Iyer’s presence is crucial for pbks as they need to make good use of their limited funds to secure several high-impact players and will be invaluable in making snap, high-pressure decisions at the auction table to achieve the team’s balance and understanding of locker room dynamics, priority targets.
Read: 5 Stars who can secure the IPL 2026 mini auction by triggering a bidding war
