Even before the start of IPL 2026, the process of players being dropped from it continues. Everyone has their own reason. Some are being out for the entire season and some from the initial phase of the league. Now the name of a player from Preity Zinta's team has also been added to this series. (Photo: PTI)

We are talking about New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who has decided not to play in the initial phase of IPL 2026 to help his wife. Preity Zinta has retained Lockie Ferguson for IPL 2026 for Rs 2 crore. (Photo: PTI)

According to ESPNcricinfo, after the end of the T20 series against South Africa, Lockie Ferguson intends to take a break for a few weeks, in which he wants to devote all his time to his family. Before the start of the third T20 against South Africa, he also said that he had just had a son. In such a situation, I will try to spend as much time as possible at home and help my wife. (Photo: PTI)

Lockie Ferguson is expected to return to Punjab Kings after the initial phase of IPL 2026 matches. However, this will not be the first time that he will not be seen playing the entire season for Punjab Kings. (Photo: PTI)

Earlier, due to injury in IPL 2025, he could play only 4 matches, in which he took 5 wickets. That was his first season for Punjab Kings. Punjab Kings bought Lockie Ferguson for Rs 2 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. He has been retained for IPL 2026. (Photo: PTI)