Shreyas Iyer To Lead Punjab Kings At IPL 2026 Auction

Punjab Kings (PBKS), runners-up in IPL 2025, are preparing for the upcoming auction with captain Shreyas Iyer set to take a central role at the bidding table. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) allows each franchise eight representatives, and Iyer’s inclusion highlights the team’s confidence in his leadership both on and off the field. The auction will be held in Abu Dhabi, where all ten franchises will compete to secure talent for the 2026 season.  

Key highlights from the announcement include  

• Shreyas Iyer will be present at the PBKS auction table on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.  
• Head coach Ricky Ponting will miss the auction due to Ashes commentary commitments in Australia.  
• PBKS enters the auction with a relatively settled squad, having retained 21 players from last season.  
• The franchise has a purse of Rs 11.50 crore to fill gaps in wicket-keeping and spin bowling.  
• Potential targets include overseas keeper-batters such as Jonny Bairstow or Tim Seifert, and spin all-rounders.  
• Iyer has been recovering from a spleen injury sustained during India’s tour of Australia in October but is expected to return in time for IPL 2026.  
• Industry observers note that Iyer’s presence at the auction reflects PBKS’s strategy of involving on-field leadership in roster decisions.  

The absence of Ricky Ponting is significant, but PBKS’s management believes Iyer’s insights as captain will be crucial in shaping the squad. With a strong core already in place, the franchise is expected to make targeted buys to address specific gaps. The auction will be a pivotal moment for PBKS as they aim to build on their runner-up finish and push for their maiden IPL title.  

Sources: Hindustan Times, Khel Now, News18, Times of India