Punjab Kings Set to Retain Two Uncapped Players Ahead of IPL 2025 Auction
While retaining the two uncapped players, PBKS will incur a minimum deduction of INR 8 crore from their auction purse. The franchise had also expressed interest in retaining Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who was the team's second-highest wicket-taker last season with 19 wickets.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) are preparing for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, where they are expected to have the largest purse, likely exceeding INR 100 crore. In a strategic move, the franchise plans to retain only two uncapped players from their IPL 2024 squad: batters Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh.
Retention Details
Shashank and Prabhsimran emerged as key performers for PBKS during the previous season, scoring 354 and 334 runs, respectively. Their contributions included a record chase of 262 runs against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, which marked a high point in an otherwise challenging season for the team, as they finished ninth out of ten franchises.
While retaining the two uncapped players, PBKS will incur a minimum deduction of INR 8 crore from their auction purse. The franchise had also expressed interest in retaining Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who was the team's second-highest wicket-taker last season with 19 wickets.
High-Profile Departures
As part of the restructuring, PBKS will not retain several high-profile players, including Harshal Patel, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Jonny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone. This move indicates a significant shift in strategy as the team seeks to rejuvenate its squad ahead of the 2025 season.
Coaching Changes
In conjunction with the player retention strategy, PBKS has made alterations to its coaching setup. Ricky Ponting has been appointed as the head coach in hopes of revitalizing the team’s performance. Since 2014, PBKS has not qualified for the IPL playoffs, highlighting the urgent need for a turnaround.
Auction Framework
The IPL has set a deadline of October 31 for franchises to submit their lists of retained players. Teams can retain up to six players, with a maximum of five capped internationals and two uncapped players. The financial implications for retaining players include minimum deductions from the auction purse: INR 18 crore for the first retained player, INR 14 crore for the second, INR 11 crore for the third, INR 18 crore for the fourth, INR 14 crore for the fifth, and INR 4 crore for each uncapped player.
With a substantial auction purse and a focus on young talent, Punjab Kings are strategically positioning themselves for IPL 2025. The retention of Shashank and Prabhsimran, alongside the addition of experienced coaching leadership, may provide a fresh opportunity for the franchise to break its playoff drought and improve its standing in the league.
