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Shreyas Iyer to attend IPL 2026 mini auction for PBKS; Ponting reported to miss out

Debashis Sarangi

Shreyas Iyer leads PBKS in IPL [Source: AFP]Shreyas Iyer leads PBKS in IPL [Source: AFP]

According to emerging reports, experienced Indian batter Shreyas Iyer is likely to attend the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mini auction on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. The Indian cricketer, who is currently on the sidelines due to a spleen injury, is expected to lead the Punjab Kings' delegation for the marquee event, with uncertainties looming over head coach Ricky Ponting's participation. 

Ponting could miss IPL 2026 mini auction; Iyer to spearhead PBKS

Shreyas Iyer sustained a nasty spleen injury after completing a spectacular catch to dismiss Australian batter Alex Carey in India's recent tour to Down Under. While the injury ruled him out of the ODI series against South Africa, Iyer is expected to turn up for the Kings at the IPL 2026 mini auction, with head coach Ricky Ponting likely to miss the mega event due to commentary commitments in the Ashes. 

Ponting is currently associated with the Seven Network for the Ashes series between Australia and England, and hence, his involvement in the IPL 2026 mini auction is unlikely. As reported by Cricbuzz, the IPL franchises had to submit the names of their respective representatives, and Punjab Kings have included Shreyas Iyer in their eight-member list. 

Under Iyer's leadership, Punjab Kings had a magnificent season in the IPL 2025, qualifying for the final of the competition. Despite losing the final to RCB, the Kings received massive applause for their bold, aggressive play throughout the season. 

However, unlike Ponting, his Trans-Tasman rival Daniel Vettori has reportedly received Cricket Australia's approval to attend the IPL mini auction for Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

For the unversed, Vettori serves as the assistant coach of the Australian men's cricket team; however, he has apparently been allowed to arrive at the mini auction table in the middle of the Ashes. The IPL 2026 mini auction will be conducted on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, commencing at 2.30 PM IST.