The Punjab Kings (PBKS) received a severe setback when New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson announced his limited availability for IPL 2026 on Thursday. ESPNcricinfo reports that the 34-year-old will take time off from the national team to be with his family after New Zealand completes its current tour of South Africa. Ferguson will remain with the national team until the series concludes and he will take a brief rest before traveling to India for IPL 2026. Ferguson delivered an outstanding performance in the second T20I against South Africa. His impressive figures of 3/16 helped New Zealand secure a 68-run win and level the five-match T20I series. Ferguson took a four-day paternity leave during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 which occurred when New Zealand advanced to the Super 8 stage. He returned soon after and continued representing his country, including matches at home. Now Ferguson needs to support his wife thus he intends to stay with his family until cricket season starts again. Ferguson made his IPL debut in 2017 and has represented teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, Gujarat Titans, and Rising Pune Supergiant before joining Punjab Kings, which Shreyas Iyer captains. His best season came in IPL 2021, where he picked up 13 wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 7.46. Read also: Sanju Samson is irreplaceable: Riyan Parag opens after rowing with Rajasthan Royals captaincy Since that time his performance has declined and his last season performance was unsatisfactory. He achieved five wickets through four matches yet his run leakage occurred at an economy rate of 9.18. The extended absence of Ferguson from IPL 2026 creates an opportunity for Ben Dwarshuis to enter the tournament. The Australian left-arm pacer secured a ₹4.4 crore contract after his strong showings in the Big Bash League which positioned him as the second-best wicket-taker in the league's complete history. Since Ricky Ponting serves as head coach of Punjab, people should expect Dwarshuis to start bowling alongside Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh throughout the entire season. Punjab Kings will begin their IPL 2026 season by playing against Gujarat Titans on March 31.