Lockie Ferguson to Miss IPL 2026 Start, Puts Family First: ‘Help My Wife Out’

New Delhi: Punjab Kings quick Lockie Ferguson will be unavailable for the opening phase of IPL 2026 after deciding to remain at home with his wife and newborn son. The 34-year-old fast bowler, who welcomed the child earlier this year, confirmed he will take “a few weeks off” before linking up with the franchise for the tournament’s later stages.

“Just had a wee son, trying to spend as much time as I can at home and help my wife out,” Ferguson told reporters on the eve of the third T20I against New Zealand, according to ESPNCricinfo. “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.”

Ferguson’s brief hiatus follows a similarly truncated break during the recent T20 World Cup 2026, when he spent only a handful of days with his family before rejoining the Black Caps. This time he is determined to secure a longer rest, underscoring a conscious effort to balance the demands of international cricket with personal responsibilities.

In his absence Punjab Kings are expected to lean on left-armer Ben Dwarshuis and other pace resources already on their books. Ferguson, however, was quick to dispel any notion that the paternity leave signals a winding down of his career. “They thought this was my last game (laughs). No, I’m still very committed to play for New Zealand,” he said.

Looking forward, the right-armer has set his sights on the next two global events. “Looking forward to the next two World Cups, there’s a great opportunity for our squad,” he noted, adding that maintaining peak fitness will be central to his preparations.

Ferguson also weighed in on the prospect of a domestic franchise T20 league in New Zealand, voicing enthusiasm for a competition that could showcase the country’s depth of talent. “I think it’s exciting that there’s a prospect at a franchise tournament,” he said, highlighting the potential for New Zealand cricket to broaden its footprint on the world stage.

While Ferguson’s early-season absence leaves a short-term gap for Punjab Kings, the franchise will welcome back an experienced campaigner—and new father—when the business end of IPL 2026 approaches.