New Delhi: In a blow to Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kiwi fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is set to miss the early part of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The 19th edition of the league will begin on March 28 to May 31, with Punjab being the runners-up of the last season.
The New Zealand player, who has become a new father, will prioritise spending time with his family before linking up with the PBKS squad for the latter half of the tournament and the Black Caps for the winter tours. Ferguson played a pivotal role in the team’s campaign last season after being signed by them on back of good performances with his previous franchises – Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Ferguson explains reason behind absence
Currently playing the T20I series against South Africa, Ferguson explained the reason behind his absence in the starting stages of the league.
‘Just had a wee son, trying to spend as much time as I can at home and help the wife out,’ Ferguson said in Auckland before the third T20I against South Africa. ‘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.’
He also said that he really enjoys playing in India and is looking forward to join his IPL franchise soon.
‘Always a pleasure playing for the Black Caps, really enjoyed my time in India with the group again and unfortunate the injuries played out earlier in the season. Really wanted to play some home cricket and feel just privileged to be able to play in front of the home crowd.’
During the recently-concluded T20 World Cup, in which the Kiwis finished as runners-up, Ferguson had take a short paternity leave for four days to be with his family during the birth of his child but rejoined the side for the Super Eights.