Punjab Kings (PBKS) have made a big decision before IPL 2026, and it is all about taking care of their key overseas stars. The Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting will join the franchise on March 21, but some of the key players will arrive in India a few days later.
South Africa’s young all-rounder Marco Jansen will not join the PBKS squad with the first batch of foreign players. Jansen will be given the extra time to recover and reset following the recent ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Ricky Ponting takes a big call as Punjab Kings delay Marco Jansen’s arrival
Ricky Ponting has reportedly allowed Jansen to join the Punjab Kings on March 26. The head coach made that call, keeping in mind how several South African and West Indian players faced troubles in leaving for home after the T20 World Cup 2026 because of the Iran-Israel and USA wars.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Read Also: “Riyan Parag is not established” – Aakash Chopra reveals Rajasthan Royals’ biggest issues
Several players remained stuck for more than a week because the flight movement in West Asia was badly affected by the war, and that created a long delay for the players. Jansen was among those who left for home late from India, so PBKS did not want to rush him back again.
The left-arm fast bowler had a decent season last year, picking up 16 wickets at an economy of 9.20, and in this 2026 season as well, the Proteas star is expected to play a key role for the PBKS.
Shreyas Iyer and Azmatullah Omarzai to join PBKS camp on this day
Meanwhile, the PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer is set to join the squad on March 19 to give a big boost to the team’s preparations before IPL 2026. However, Ponting and most of the overseas players are expected to join the Punjab Kings camp on March 21.
Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai is set to link up with the side on March 23 from Kabul despite tension in the country because of Pakistan’s constant attack.
Read Also: Full list of Australian stars in PSL 2026 amid security and travel concerns
A source was quoted as saying by PTI, “Ricky fully supports his players. Considering Marco left late from India, he understands the need for giving him adequate time at home.”
No major weakness in Punjab Kings squad
Meanwhile, Pathan also said that Punjab Kings look like a strong and balanced team on paper, especially because of their deep batting line-up and good fast bowling attack. The PBKS will kick off their 2026 campaign against the Gujarat Titans on March 31 in New Chandigarh.
Pathan said on JioHotstar: “If I look at this team, it’s pretty much sorted. With Shreyas Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, the top order is sorted, followed by Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh. Those guys just pick themselves, and then Stoinis’ finishing ability will be required as well.
After that, they’re trying to trust Mitch Owen, who is actually a powerhouse. If he clicks, picking the fast bowlers and the rest of the line-up will not be difficult. My eyes will be on this team’s fast bowlers, Arshdeep, Marco Jansen and Ferguson, they are totally sorted. They have good backups as well.”
