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Punjab Kings' Lockie Ferguson to miss early phase of IPL 2026
New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is set to miss the opening phase of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, according to ESPNcricinfo. His franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS) will likely begin their campaign without his services for the first few games. The decision comes as Ferguson prioritises family time following the recent birth of his child. Notably, he briefly stepped away on paternity leave during the T20 World Cup 2026, spending only a few days at home before rejoining the New Zealand squad for the crucial Super Eight stage.
And just nine days after featuring in the final against India in Ahmedabad, Ferguson returned to action in Hamilton, producing a match-winning spell of 3 for 16 against South Africa. Meanwhile, following the third T20I at Eden Park, Ferguson is expected to take a more extended break before potentially returning for the latter stages of IPL 2026 and preparing for New Zealand’s winter tours.
“Just had a wee son trying to spend as much time as I can at home and help the wife out. I'll have a few weeks off after this before sort of heading to the later stages of the IPL and away for the winter,” Ferguson said.
In Ferguson’s absence, PBKS will need to reshuffle their bowling combinations early in the tournament. They might bring in left-arm quick Ben Dwarshuis into their XII. PBKS invested INR 4.4 crore in Dwarshuis during the auction.
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