Shreyas Iyer to Lead IPL 2026 Auction,In a surprising development just days before the IPL 2026 Mini Auction, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set for a major leadership shuffle at the bidding table. Reports confirm that head coach Ricky Ponting will be unavailable for the event, handing the reins directly to team captain Shreyas Iyer.
Why is Ricky Ponting Missing?
The legendary Australian captain, who took over as PBKS head coach last season, will miss the December 16 auction in Abu Dhabi due to prior commitments.
- The Reason: Ponting is contracted with the Seven Network for commentary duties during the ongoing Ashes series (Australia vs England).
- The Clash: With the 3rd Ashes Test starting on December 17 in Adelaide, Ponting cannot travel to the UAE in time.
Captain Iyer Takes Charge
It is rare to see active captains at the auction table, but Shreyas Iyer is set to break the norm.
- New Role: Iyer has been named in the 8-member delegation submitted to the BCCI and will be the key decision-maker for PBKS at the table.
- Health Update: The skipper is currently recovering from a spleen injury sustained during the ODI series against Australia but has been cleared to travel.
What This Means for PBKS Strategy
Punjab Kings are entering the auction with a relatively settled squad after finishing as runners-up in IPL 2025.
- Purse Remaining: ₹11.50 Crore.
- Slots to Fill: 4 (including 2 overseas).
- The Goal: With Ponting absent, Iyer’s primary job will be to find backups for the middle order and a replacement for released players like Josh Inglis.
This move signals huge trust in Iyer’s tactical mind. Will the captain make the right calls to finally bring the trophy home in 2026?
