The Punjab Kings (PBKS) failed to lift the elusive IPL silverware after yet another wild season in the Indian Premier League, leaving fans disappointed once again and the management with a heap of questions. Not making many changes to the squad would be the best thing for them to do, but as they say, change is the only constant.

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Predicted Four 2026 PBKS Released Players

It is anticipated that PBKS would release a few well-known stars, not because of a lack of talent but rather because of tactical recalibration, form issues, and to free up some funds by buying back the players at a lower cost. Here are four 2026 PBKS released players who are probably going to be removed before the IPL 2026 auction in an effort to create a younger and more flexible core.

Glenn Maxwell

Role: All-Rounder (Australia)

Although Glenn Maxwell has long been regarded as one of the world’s most explosive T20 players, his performances for PBKS have frequently fallen short of his reputation and failed to live up to his high price tag. Maxwell can change games with both bat and ball, but his 2025 season was characterised by inconsistent play, bad shot choices, and little bowling impact. A recurrent topic for several seasons was his inability to perform in pressure situations, despite his high strike rate.

Glenn Maxwell’s Batting in IPL 2025

Maxwell’s inconsistent availability because of international obligations and fitness issues further reduces his usefulness as an all-rounder. PBKS might find it more advantageous to let him go in order to free up a crucial overseas spot and allocate funds for a more dependable all-rounder or a younger finisher. As PBKS embarks on a new chapter, Maxwell might become one of the 2026 PBKS released players.

Marcus Stoinis

Role: All-Rounder (Australia)

Marcus Stoinis, who is known for being a powerful middle-order batsman and medium-pace option, found it difficult to defend his place in PBKS’s XI in the 2025 Indian Premier League. Stoinis was primarily used as a floating hitter, rarely contributing much with the bat, while his bowling was underutilised because of a decline in accuracy and pace. Not exactly a strong batter nor a specialist bowler, his position on the squad remained unclear, which ultimately left more concerns than answers.

Marcus Stoinis’s Batting in IPL 2025

Marcus Stoinis’s Bowling in IPL 2025

Stoinis seems to be disposable as the team looks to reduce the size of its roster. He is a high-priced, low-impact player in a format where dynamic utility is crucial because of his contract, which is INR 11 crores. He should be replaced by a domestic fast-bowling all-rounder or an overseas finisher with more death-over experience and strike consistency for PBKS. Given the current state of PBKS’s squad planning, Stoinis appears to be one of the names in the PBKS released players list.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Role: Bowler (India)

Yuzvendra Chahal is still regarded as one of the greatest in the business and one of the top leg-spinners in T20 cricket. He is an invaluable member of any bowling squad due to his poise, experience, and ability to take wickets, especially when it matters most. Even though he might not have been playing at his best in the 2025 season, Chahal showed off his skills and showed supporters why he has been a consistent player in the IPL for more than ten years.

Yuzvendra Chahal’s Bowling in IPL 2025

But in this case, money matters more than form. The high asking price of ₹18 crore for Chahal at the moment severely restricts PBKS’s options for the auction and team-building exercises. Even if he is still incredibly valuable, the franchise might think it would be wiser and more balanced to add him to the PBKS released players list and try to acquire him back at a lower cost. In addition to keeping a top-tier spinner, this would free up money for PBKS to improve other crucial areas like power hitting or death bowling.

Lockie Ferguson

Role: Bowler (New Zealand)

The purpose of Lockie Ferguson’s introduction to the PBKS team was to give the bowling unit more speed and aggression, particularly in the powerplay and death overs. His 2025 campaign, however, was marred by inconsistencies and injuries. Ferguson, who was known for his sheer speed, frequently gave away runs at pivotal moments.

Lockie Ferguson’s Bowling in IPL 2025

Ferguson may no longer be the explosive weapon he once was because of age and injuries that limit his ability to bowl at full power for the duration of a season. In the IPL, overseas pacers are in high demand, so PBKS will seek a fast bowler who can perform in all phases with poise and stamina. Ferguson’s addition to the PBKS released players list allows the team management to pursue a more reliable quick, either Gerald Coetzee or a domestic bowler who can be developed into a lead.

Final Thoughts

Releasing players like Maxwell, Stoinis, Chahal, and Ferguson might be a calculated move as the Punjab Kings prepare for the 2026 auction. In order to finally succeed in the IPL, PBKS must reduce excessive contracts and underperforming players to invest in new players and assemble a more balanced team by releasing the 2026 PBKS released players.