Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) had a remarkable campaign during the IPL 2025 season, reaching to finals after a decade. However, they became runners-up in after suffering a 6-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 03.

Despite their memorable season, PBKS are likely to release underperforming players before the IPL 2026 auction to free up some purse to strengthen their squad for the next season.

The event is likely to be held in the January-February window ahead of the IPL 2026 tournament, which usually follows the March-May window.

According to IPL 2026 auction rules, there are no restrictions on the number of players who can be released or retained.

In addition to the purse remaining from the previous auction and the value of the players they release, teams will likely to have a total purse value of INR 151 crore for the upcoming season.

Listed below are players likely to be released by Punjab Kings (PBKS).

• Glenn Maxwel
• Yash thakur
• Lockie Ferguson
• Aaron Hardie
• Marcus Stoinis

Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell who joined Punjab Kings for INR 4.2 crore during the IPL 2025 auction had an disappointing campaign scoring only 48 runs and 4 wickets in seven games he played as his appearance limited due to a broken finger.

It’s not for the first that Maxwell has disappointed an IPL team with his performance. With his disappointing performance, PBKS might consider to release him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Yash thakur

Yash Thakur joined PBKS for INR 1.60 core but did not get much opportunities in the IPL 2025. He was bought into PBKS setup to bolster their Indian pace bowling unit, but he failed to leave any notable mark this season.

With such a quiet season, he might be on the list of PBKS released players for IPL 2026 auction.

Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis who joined PBKS for INR 11 crore during the 2025 auction scored only 160 runs in 13 matches and took only one wicket. Known for his ability to hit big sixes in the death overs, has scored 2026 runs in 109 IPL games with an average of 28.13 and strike rate of 144.71 so far.

Punjab Kings might consider releasing Stoinis and buy a more effective all-rounder during the IPL 2026 auction.

Aaron Hardie

Aaron Hardie joined PBKS for INR 1.25 crore mega auction but did not play a single game during IPL 2025. With several overseas all-rounder already in the squad, and the franchise might consider releasing Hardie before the IPL 2025 auction.

Lockie Ferguson

The New Zealand pacer, Lockie Ferguson joined PBKS for INR 2 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. He picked five wickets for Punjab Kings in four games, before being ruled out of the IPL 2025 season due to hamstring injury.

Despite his performance, Punjab Kings might consider replacing him due to recurring fitness issues. He has injury issues in the past could be one of the major reasons for the franchise to release him during the auction.

Apart from the released players list, we have also listed the probable retained players list of Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Listed below are the best possible retained players for PBKS.

• Shreyas Iyer
• Prabhsimran Singh
• Priyansh Arya
• Nehal wadhers
• Shashank Singh
• Josh Inglis
• Marco Jansen
• Yuzvendra chahal
• Lockie Ferguson
• Azmatullah Omarzai
• Yash thakur
• Vijaykumar vyshak
• Musheer Khan
• Mitchell Owen
• Praveen Dubey
• Arshdeep Singh

According to BCCI guidelines, the mini auction will take place in the January-February Window following the player trade window in December-January.

Although the exact date of the auction is yet to be disclosed, several sources have hinted that the IPL 2026 auction dates will be announced very soon.

This mini auction for IPL 2026 will allow franchises to target their required players for completing their squad after the pre-auction trade window.