Punjab Kings: As the IPL 2025 retention window approaches, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are taking a fresh approach to revamping their lineup following an underwhelming 2024 season. The franchise, under new head coach Ricky Ponting, is expected to release several high-profile players to free up a substantial auction budget, allowing them to rebuild with younger, dynamic talent.

Big Names on the Verge of Release

While the official retention list is yet to be confirmed, reports indicate that PBKS may part ways with international stars such as:

Overseas Players Released by Punjab Kings

1. Liam Livingstone (All-Rounder, England) – ₹11.5 crore
2. Kagiso Rabada (Bowler, South Africa) – ₹9.25 crore
3. Jonny Bairstow (Wicketkeeper-Batsman, England) – ₹6.75 crore
4. Rilee Rossouw (Batsman, South Africa) – ₹8 crore
5. Sam Curran (All-Rounder, England) – ₹18.5 crore
6. Sikandar Raza (All-Rounder, Zimbabwe) – ₹50 lakh
7. Chris Woakes (All-Rounder, England) – ₹4.2 crore
8. Nathan Ellis (Bowler, Australia) – ₹75 lakh

Indian Players Released by Punjab Kings

1. Shikhar Dhawan (Batsman) – ₹8.25 crore
2. Harshal Patel (All-Rounder) – ₹11.75 crore
3. Rahul Chahar (Bowler) – ₹5.25 crore
4. Harpreet Brar (All-Rounder) – ₹3.8 crore
5. Prabhsimran Singh (Wicketkeeper-Batsman) – ₹60 lakh
6. Rishi Dhawan (All-Rounder) – ₹55 lakh
7. Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper-Batsman) – ₹20 lakh
8. Atharva Taide (All-Rounder) – ₹20 lakh
9. Harpreet Bhatia (Batsman) – ₹40 lakh
10. Shivam Singh (All-Rounder) – ₹20 lakh
11. Vidwath Kaverappa (Bowler) – ₹20 lakh
12. Tanay Thyagarajan (All-Rounder) – ₹20 lakh
13. Vishwanath Pratap Singh (All-Rounder) – ₹20 lakh

Key Retention Possibilities

• Arshdeep Singh (Bowler) – Expected to be retained for ₹18 crore
• Shahrukh Khan (All-Rounder) – Potential retention at ₹4 crore
• Shashank Singh (All-Rounder) – Potential retention at ₹4 crore

With these releases, PBKS is preparing to enter the 2025 Mega Auction with significant spending power. Should they choose to retain star pacer Arshdeep Singh for ₹18 crore, their auction budget would stand at ₹94 crore. Without Arshdeep, they could boast the largest auction purse of ₹112 crore, opening opportunities to target top players in the auction pool.

Key Retention Targets: Building for the Future

A cornerstone of PBKS’s 2025 strategy is the retention of Arshdeep Singh, a talented left-arm pacer with a fan following and exceptional skills, vital for anchoring the bowling lineup. Retaining local stars like Arshdeep strengthens the team’s local connection and adds a powerful edge in high-pressure matches.

In addition to Arshdeep, Punjab Kings are also eyeing young Indian talents, such as Shahrukh Khan and Shashank Singh—both of whom impressed last season. With a retention fee of ₹4 crore each, these players offer the team hard-hitting middle-order power and versatile all-rounder abilities. This youth-centered strategy aligns with Ponting’s long-term vision of building a sustainable squad that can deliver consistent performances.

A Game-Changing Auction Strategy

PBKS’s decision to release big-ticket players highlights their goal to reallocate funds and pursue star talent that fits their strategic direction under Ponting’s guidance. By prioritizing young, promising players, Punjab Kings are looking to break their cycle of underperformance, with a renewed focus on a balanced and effective team for the 2025 season.