After making it to the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and only losing at the last second, Punjab Kings had an incredible run in the 2025 IPL. Ness Wadia, a co-owner of the team, considers what drove that campaign, how the team intends to maintain such standards, the developing rapport between captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, and his outlook for the competition’s expansion. He talked to Cricbuzz outside the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi during the IPL 2026 auction.
You’ve been with the Indian Premier League since the start. How do you think the IPL has changed over time?
It’s changed a lot. We have gotten stronger and stronger, and we shall get stronger still. Additionally, I find it astounding how many people in India watch, enjoy, and eagerly await it. Seeing corporates, non-corporates, and individuals from all life’s diasporas… The BCCI is, in my opinion, doing everything within their power to promote cricket and the IPL by holding the auction in Saudi Arabia last year, Dubai the year before, and Abu Dhabi this year. I believe that’s the best course of action.
What would you like to see altered?
The one improvement that I believe would be beneficial is the addition of extra matches, as was previously promised; perhaps two bouts each opponent. Now there are ten teams, correct? Therefore, if the window allows it, home and away. because Indian cricket’s development and progress have been greatly aided by the IPL. Just take a look at the talent. Observe the quantity of players who have left today: unknown names, players worth Rs 10 crore, Rs 12 crore, and Rs 14 crore. Don’t you feel proud to be Indian, really? I’m proud to be Indian.
And in the long run, I believe that if the IPL expands its window, they will have more opportunities to play and the world will witness more. We’ll have separate teams for T20s and ODIs sooner rather than later, I’m sure. Of course, tests are different. And I simply believe that there is so much talent out there. against be honest, it stings when we lose against South Africa, New Zealand, and other countries, especially at home, since such talent isn’t utilised. One excellent example is Shreyas. Could someone please explain to me why Shreyas Iyer shouldn’t play for the T20 team?
Except for the final, you had a fantastic season last year. How is the management maintaining or perhaps raising that level?
You see, you want to continue experiencing success once you’ve tasted it. In my opinion, keeping 21 players was crucial from our point of view. Since the cricket players are our assets, it is crucial to support them throughout the off-season in terms of their mental health, physical fitness, nutrition, and conditioning. Since we are a part of them and they are a part of us, how can the players perform at their peak for their home teams, the IPL, and India if we don’t take care of and develop them?
Is the final still a struggle?
No, I wasn’t unhappy about losing the final at all. We made it to the top two, which pleased me. We are glad we made it to the final. Many people were outraged, but we will return stronger, better, and wiser. Last season, our team was the youngest in the IPL. With our game, we amazed everyone.
My father, Nusli Wadia, an industrialist, was watching the IPL even though he doesn’t usually watch cricket. He had Punjab Kings on. He’s never seen in eighteen years. He really enjoyed watching our style of cricket. Stunning. And the reason for this is that we simply play as a happy family. Shreyas Iyer, Ricky Ponting… Can I ask for anything more?
What do you think caused PBKS to be successful the previous season?
Getting the proper coaching staff, assembling the perfect team, creating the ideal environment, and letting the coach and captain choose any player they want are all necessary for success. We don’t communicate with Shreyas or any other players. They have the option to choose a player if they so choose. It is their responsibility if they don’t.
A revelation last year was Priyansh Arya.
Just a gorgeous boy, so modest. It’s simply so easy, really. He will go everywhere, you know, and he will do it without fear. It’s the Indian boys once more.
It was also unexpected that Shreyas Iyer would be present.
It’s been amazing that Shreyas attended the auction. I think it’s fantastic for Indian cricket and the IPL. Enjoy.
What was your 2026 IPL auction plan?
Ricky and Shreyas had to decide. All we are trying to do is make sure we get that player the greatest deal possible. They are the greatest individuals in the world—the greatest captains, coaches, and athletes—so what’s the point if you can’t empower them and allow them to do as they please?
Give further details about the “freedom to do what they want.”
‘Oh, sir, this player is not coming for dinner after the match; he’s gone to his room,’ my management colleagues would tell me. What then? I want to unwind and recuperate in my own room. Come on, you want to. Please don’t come if you don’t want to. You simply belong to the family. It’s okay if you’re exhausted and would like to go relax. Is there a problem? It’s seamless and you all want a happy family, so there’s never a problem. It ought not to be a problem. Not a problem. What we brought was that.
India
