3 players PBKS might release ahead of IPL 2024

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been one of the most unsuccessful teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they are the only team to qualify for playoffs only twice after appearing in all 16 IPL editions. PBKS appointed experienced Shikhar Dhawan to lead their team in IPL 2023 but the veteran also failed to take the side to the playoffs with his leadership skills. Under the 37-year-old, the Punjab-based outlet ended its journey in the eighth position on the points table.  

Dhawan looked decent with his bat in the competition, accumulating 373 runs with three fifties in 11 matches. However, he didn’t get enough support from his colleagues which led to his team’s failure in the tournament. Before the 2024 IPL auction, the PBKS team management may break ties with their players who didn’t perform upto the expectations. 

Here are the three players PBKS might release before the IPL 2024 auction

3. Matthew Short

Jonny Bairstow didn’t get a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the England Cricket Board (ECB) to feature in IPL 2023, following which PBKS reserved Matthew Short’s services for the tournament. In the England opener’s absence, Short’s responsibility was to deliver solid numbers to his team while batting at the top order.  

After Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s injury, Short was tasked to play at number three against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The Australian player made his IPL debut against SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. In his maiden game, he scored only one run but his team didn’t lose faith in the 27-year-old and gave him a chance in five more matches. 

The Australia batter scored only 117 runs in six outings at a dismal strike rate of 117.17. Short’s disappointing performance might force him to go under the hammer again in the IPL 2024 auction as PBKS might not continue the contract with the Aussie.