Punjab Kings (PBKS) could make a few important changes to their squad ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 mini-auction. The franchise is expected to reassess its overseas combination after bringing Hardik Pandya into the setup, with the Indian all-rounder’s arrival potentially changing the team’s balance and playing XI.
The trade has also increased the need for PBKS to strengthen their pace-bowling department, particularly after Arshdeep Singh’s departure. With several overseas seam-bowling all-rounders competing for similar roles, the franchise could look to free up funds and overseas slots to address its bowling requirements. Here are three players PBKS could potentially release ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction.
3 overseas players PBKS can release ahead of IPL 2027 mini-auction
1. Ben Dwarshuis (₹4.40 Crore)
Reason: Expensive overseas backup and competition from Marco Jansen
Ben Dwarshuis could be one of the first players Punjab Kings consider releasing ahead of the next season. The Australian all-rounder offers left-arm pace and lower-order batting, but his role in the squad could become increasingly limited because of Marco Jansen’s presence. The South African all-rounder provides a similar left-arm bowling option while also offering greater pace and considerable power with the bat.
PBKS are unlikely to accommodate two overseas left-arm seam-bowling all-rounders in their preferred playing XI, particularly when they have other areas to strengthen. Dwarshuis also carries a price tag of ₹4.40 crore, which makes him an expensive option to retain as a backup. Following Arshdeep Singh’s departure, the franchise needs to prioritise a specialist death bowler rather than keep a significant amount tied up in a player who may struggle to get regular opportunities.
Possible strategy: Free up funds for an overseas death-over specialist
Releasing Dwarshuis would immediately free up ₹4.40 crore and an overseas slot for Punjab Kings at the mini-auction. The franchise could use that amount to target an experienced fast bowler who can handle the pressure of the death overs and provide greater control in the final stages of an innings. PBKS could look for someone who can complement Lockie Ferguson or Xavier Bartlett and help rebuild their pace-bowling combination.
2. Mitchell Owen (₹3 Crore)
Reason: Hardik Pandya’s arrival makes his role redundant
Mitchell Owen could also be among the players Punjab Kings consider releasing ahead of IPL 2027. The Australian is a powerful middle-order batter who can contribute with medium pace, but the arrival of Hardik could significantly reduce his chances of featuring in the playing XI. PBKS already have Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh as established middle-order options, giving the franchise considerable power in that department.
Hardik’s addition also provides another seam-bowling all-rounder without occupying an overseas slot. With Stoinis and Jansen already offering similar skills, Owen could find himself behind several players in the selection order. Retaining him for ₹3 crore as a backup option may not be the best use of the franchise’s resources, especially when their bowling attack needs attention following Arshdeep’s exit.
Possible strategy: Strengthen the bowling attack with an overseas signing
Releasing Owen would add ₹3 crore to Punjab’s auction purse while opening another overseas slot. The franchise could use the additional funds to pursue a specialist fast bowler who can deliver at the death or an overseas spinner who offers a different option in the middle overs. This would allow PBKS to make better use of their overseas slots instead of carrying another batting all-rounder who may struggle to find a place in the starting XI.
Also READ: Hardik Pandya IPL salary breakdown: Season-wise earnings after IPL 2027 trade to Punjab Kings
3. Azmatullah Omarzai (₹2.40 Crore)
Reason: Hardik Pandya and Marcus Stoinis leave him with limited opportunities
Azmatullah Omarzai could be another overseas all-rounder Punjab Kings consider releasing before the mini-auction. The Afghanistan international offers right-arm medium pace and can contribute with the bat in the lower middle order. However, his skill set overlaps considerably with that of Hardik, who can perform a similar role while also providing PBKS with the advantage of an Indian player in the combination.
The presence of Stoinis and Jansen further complicates Omarzai’s chances of securing a regular place in the playing XI. With three established all-rounders already competing for similar roles, the Afghanistan star could find himself further down the pecking order. Although his contract of ₹2.40 crore is relatively modest, retaining another overseas seam-bowling all-rounder may not make much sense when PBKS have more pressing requirements to address.
Possible strategy: Open up an overseas slot for a specialist bowler
Releasing Omarzai would provide Punjab Kings with an additional ₹2.40 crore and another overseas slot to utilise at the auction. Along with the potential releases of Dwarshuis and Owen, it would take their total freed-up salary cap space to ₹9.80 crore. This could give the franchise greater flexibility to pursue a frontline fast bowler and add depth to its spin-bowling department while retaining its core Indian batting options.
Also READ: 3 overseas players RCB can release ahead of IPL 2027 auction
