IPL Retention 2025: Punjab Kings Released Players, OFFICIAL Full List of Indian and Overseas Players Not Retained

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Punjab Kings (PBKS) did what was expected of them as the Chandigarh-based franchise dropped their core once again while retaining just two uncapped players on the deadline day of the IPL Retention for the 2025 season.

With their captain Shikhar Dhawan already retired from cricket, the side also lost pacer Arshdeep Singh, leading to a huge purse for the upcoming auction. Below is the official list of released players:

Punjab Kings players released before the IPL 2025 auction

• Liam Livingstone (All-Rounder, England) – ₹11.5 crore
• Kagiso Rabada (Bowler, South Africa) – ₹9.25 crore
• Jonny Bairstow (Wicketkeeper-Batsman, England) – ₹6.75 crore
• Rilee Rossouw (Batsman, South Africa) – ₹8 crore
• Sam Curran (All-Rounder, England) – ₹18.5 crore
• Sikandar Raza (All-Rounder, Zimbabwe) – ₹50 lakh
• Chris Woakes (All-Rounder, England) – ₹4.2 crore
• Nathan Ellis (Bowler, Australia) – ₹75 lakh
• Shikhar Dhawan (Batsman, India) – ₹8.25 crore
• Harshal Patel (All-Rounder, India) – ₹11.75 crore
• Rahul Chahar (Bowler, India) – ₹5.25 crore
• Harpreet Brar (All-Rounder, India) – ₹3.8 crore
• Rishi Dhawan (All-Rounder, India) – ₹55 lakh
• Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper-Batsman, India) – ₹20 lakh
• Atharva Taide (All-Rounder, India) – ₹20 lakh
• Harpreet Bhatia (Batsman, India) – ₹40 lakh
• Shivam Singh (All-Rounder, India) – ₹20 lakh
• Vidwath Kaverappa (Bowler, India) – ₹20 lakh
• Tanay Thyagarajan (All-Rounder, India) – ₹20 lakh
• Vishwanath Pratap Singh (All-Rounder, India) – ₹20 lakh
• Ashutosh Sharma (batter) - ₹20 lakh

Also read: PBKS Retention List for IPL 2025: All Retained Players by Punjab Kings on Deadline Day

Arshdeep Singh stands as the sole star performer from their 2024 lineup worth a big retention deal. PBKS is negotiating with Arshdeep, a local talent with immense fan support, for a possible retention fee of ₹18 crore. Securing him could ensure a powerful local connection, particularly given Arshdeep's value as a skilled left-arm pacer, which has become highly sought-after in T20 cricket. Should Arshdeep choose to continue with PBKS, his presence would be crucial in anchoring the team's bowling unit in high-pressure situations.

Punjab Kings' strategy also appears focused on retaining younger, uncapped players, such as Shahrukh Khan and Shashank Singh, who could be retained for ₹4 crore each. Both players showed potential last season, with Shahrukh emerging as a hard-hitting middle-order option and Shashank demonstrating flexibility as a batting all-rounder. This decision aligns with Ponting's emphasis on building a young and dynamic team that can sustain performance over multiple seasons.

The high-profile exits, including Kagiso Rabada, Liam Livingstone, and potentially Sam Curran, reflect PBKS's ambition to approach the IPL 2025 Mega Auction with a substantial budget. If Arshdeep Singh is retained alongside two uncapped players, Punjab Kings could enter the auction with a purse of ₹94 crore. Without retaining Arshdeep, they would have the largest auction budget, totaling ₹112 crore-providing flexibility to pursue star talent and reinforce their squad.

The upcoming retention announcement will be pivotal for PBKS, setting the tone for their auction strategy as they aim to break the cycle of underperformance. Retaining young talents like Shahrukh Khan shows faith in a new generation, while the release of big names underscores PBKS's readiness to invest strategically, balancing budget with team potential. The franchise's decisions on retention day could redefine their standing in the IPL, aiming for consistency and a playoff breakthrough under Ponting's guidance.