Punjab Kings in limbo over Josh Inglis and Marco Jansen`s IPL 2025 return

As IPL 2025 gears up for its resumption on May 17, Punjab Kings are still awaiting confirmation on the return of several key overseas players. The availability of Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis, and Aaron Hardie remains uncertain, creating some concern for the franchise as the league enters its crucial final stretch.

Among them, Jansen and Inglis have been named in South Africa’s and Australia’s squads respectively for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final, scheduled to begin on June 11 at Lord’s. Their inclusion for the high-profile Test clash adds further doubt over their participation in the remaining IPL matches.

On a positive note, Xavier Bartlett, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mitchell Owen have confirmed their return to India and will link up with the squad shortly. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, most members of PBKS’ overseas support staff, including head coach Ricky Ponting, and assistant coaches Brad Haddin and James Hopes, have remained in India despite the recent suspension of the tournament.

PBKS management has directed its players and staff to regroup within the next two days, with the team set to resume training in Jaipur starting Thursday. The side will prepare for their final three group stage matches against Rajasthan Royals (May 18), Delhi Capitals (May 24), and Mumbai Indians (May 26).

Punjab Kings are currently placed third on the points table, having collected 15 points from 11 matches. The team finds itself in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs, with momentum on their side and just three fixtures left in the group phase.

The league had come to a sudden halt on May 9, when it was suspended due to heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan, sparked by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, scheduled for May 8, was abandoned mid-way as a result.

Following the de-escalation of hostilities on May 10, the BCCI swiftly resumed discussions with government officials and other stakeholders. By Monday, the board had released a revised schedule for the remainder of the tournament, covering 17 matches.

Six cities, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, have been designated as hosts for the remaining 13 league matches. However, venues for the four playoff games are yet to be finalised. According to the updated fixture list, Qualifier 1 will be held on May 29, followed by the Eliminator on May 30, Qualifier 2 on June 1, and the final on June 3.

(With inputs from ANI)

This article first appeared on Mid Day