Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia has launched a sharp critique against Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, labelling his actions as "unprofessional." The controversy stems from the timing of Inglis's communication regarding his limited availability for the upcoming IPL 2026 season, which left the franchise scrambling just before the crucial retention deadline.
The Last-Minute Shock for Punjab Kings
According to Wadia, the Punjab Kings had every intention of retaining Josh Inglis for IPL 2026 and had built their retention strategy around him. However, they were blindsided when the player informed them he would be available for only a couple of weeks, a revelation that came a mere 45 minutes before the official retention deadline.
Speaking to Sportstar, Wadia expressed his disappointment, clarifying that the issue was never about Inglis's wedding in early April, but the shockingly late disclosure. "We didn't really let go of Josh. Josh unfortunately only told us at the last minute, which was not very fair, given that he had been with us for a while," Wadia stated. He emphasised that everyone in the league was aware of the retention schedule, making the last-minute call particularly frustrating.
Wadia's Stance on Professionalism
Wadia did not mince words when describing the Australian player's conduct. "We told him he should have informed us earlier. I don't think it was very professional of him," he asserted. The co-owner explained the bind the franchise was put in, stating, "If you know there is a deadline, you cannot call someone 45 minutes before and say you are not coming, especially when you know you are being retained."
Despite the strong criticism, Wadia concluded on a conciliatory note, wishing Inglis success in his career and personal life. "I wish him all the best. He is a good player and I am sure he will do well for Australia. Whether he plays in the IPL or not, I wish him well as a fellow human being. But the manner in which he behaved was not very professional," he added.
Aftermath and Inglis's Lucrative Move
The saga of Josh Inglis's limited availability became a major talking point ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Interestingly, after initially going unsold, the Australian sparked a fierce bidding war and was eventually snapped up by the Lucknow Super Giants for a whopping INR 8.6 crore.
It is understood that LSG's significant investment is a long-term play, with the franchise looking ahead to future seasons rather than expecting a major contribution during his short stint this year. IPL 2026 is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 31, while Inglis's wedding is set for early April, explaining his need for time off.
From the player's side, the situation has been addressed plainly. Inglis has acknowledged that he will not be available for the full IPL season due to his wedding commitments, though the communication timeline remains the core of the dispute with his former franchise.
