Josh Inglis confirms wedding plans will affect IPL availability
What's the story
Australia's wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has confirmed that he won't be available for the entire 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The player, who was picked by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹8.6 crore at the recent Indian Premier League mini-auction, revealed his wedding plans will affect his availability. Inglis's wedding is set for early April, which clashes with the IPL 2026 schedule. The IPL 2026 is scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 31.
Schedule clash
I don't have full availability this year, says Inglis
"Well, I sort of watched a lot of it [IPL auction] and I was pushed back in the pecking order," Inglis told ABC Sport. "I don't have full availability this year. I'm getting married in early April. So, I didn't really expect to go, to be honest. So I sort of saw my name go by unsold... the first one I was like 'alright stuff this, I'm going to bed' and I need to switch on for tomorrow [Ashes] and then woke up to the news. I didn't know until I'd seen a few messages this morning."
Coach's insight
Inglis bags massive amount despite limited IPL 2026 availability
As mentioned, Australian wicketkeeper-batter Inglis was purchased by LSG for a whopping ₹8.6 crore. The price is way beyond his base price of ₹2 crore, even though Inglis had confirmed his limited availability for the season. He will be available only for 25% of IPL 2026, which means he can play a maximum of four matches due to international and personal commitments, including his wedding.
Disappointment expressed
PBKS co-owner expresses disappointment over Inglis's late notice
Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Ness Wadia expressed disappointment over Inglis's late notice about his wedding plans. He said the franchise was keen to retain him for IPL 2026 but was informed only "45 minutes before the deadline." "We didn't really let go of Josh. I mean, Josh unfortunately, sadly, only told us at the last minute, which was not very fair given that he had been with us for a while," Wadia told The Hindu.
Words
'I don't think it was very professional of him'
"I think everyone knew when the retention was coming, and we were informed by him 45 minutes before the deadline that he was getting married and needed time to relax and recuperate. He said he was going to be available only for a couple of weeks [three games]," Wadia added. "We told him he should have informed us earlier. I don't think it was very professional of him. I don't think it is very professional of anyone if they know there is a deadline."
Player's stats
Inglis's performance in his 1st IPL season
Inglis made a mark in his first IPL season with PBKS, scoring 278 runs in 11 innings at an average of 30.88 and strike rate of 162.57. His tally included a match-winning knock of 73 off 42 balls against a Jasprit Bumrah-led Mumbai Indians attack in Jaipur. Overall, Inglis has scored 3,853 runs in 152 T20 innings at an average of nearly 30 and strike rate just under 150.
Information
Inglis is currently involved in The Ashes
Inglis was included in Australia's XI for the 2nd Ashes Test in Brisbane. He scored 23 runs. In the ongoing 3rd Test at the Adelaide Oval, Inglis scored 32 runs from 39 balls on Day 1.