New Delhi: South Africa all-rounder Marco Jansen will join the Punjab Kings (PBKS) squad late for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Jansen was among the last batch of players to leave India after South Africa and West Indies squads faced delayed departures from the T20 World Cup 2026 owing to logistical issues amid the ongoing war in West Asia.
The ongoing war between Iran, the US and Israel led to disruption in air travel as several major airports across the Middle East shut amid retaliatory attacks from Iran. The airspace also remained shut for a few days before getting restricted. As a result, the West Indies and South Africa teams remained stranded in India for over a week after the end of their respective campaigns in the T20 World Cup 2026.
ICC arranged commercial flights for the members of both squads and their family members last week as they left India after spending over a week stuck in Kolkata. Jansen was among the last batch of Proteas players to depart, and thus his late arrival has been approved by PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting, as per news agency PTI.
“Ricky fully supports his players. Considering Marco left late from India, he understands the need for giving him adequate time at home,” a source was quoted as saying by PTI.
Jansen is a key member of the Punjab Kings squad and played an imperative role in helping the team reach the final of IPL 2025 last year. The left-arm all-rounder picked up 16 wickets for PBKS last season at an economy of just over 9. He is expected to link with the Punjab Kings squad on March 26.
The rest of the Punjab Kings overseas players are expected to join the team by March 21. Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai’s arrival will also be delayed slightly amid the ongoing war between his country and Pakistan. Pakistan recently conducted air strikes in Kabul, killing at least 400 people.
Omarzai was among the Afghan cricketers who condemned Pakistan’s brutality on social media. The Afghanistan all-rounder is likely to join the Punjab Kings squad on March 23. Meanwhile, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer will link up with the rest of the squad on Wednesday, March 18.
Punjab Kings began their pre-season camp earlier this month and a majority of Indian players have already joined their camp to prepare for IPL 2026.
Punjab Kings to open campaign against Gujarat Titans
Punjab Kings will open their campaign against 2022 champions, the Gujarat Titans, at their home ground – the Mullanpur Stadium in New Chandigarh on March 31. PBKS might miss the services of Jansen for the opener as the South Africa all-rounder might not be match fit after joining the squad on March 28.
Punjab Kings will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their next game, an away clash in Chennai, on April 03.