Ricky Ponting skips IPL auction; Preity Zinta brings in Shreyas Iyer for Punjab Kings

• Punjab Kings coach Ricky Ponting will miss the upcoming IPL auction, a significant blow to the team.
• Ponting is unavailable due to his commentary commitments for the ongoing Ashes series.
• Punjab Kings, last season's runners-up, have retained 21 players and have 11.50 crore remaining for the auction.
• Preity Zinta's Punjab Kings have reportedly brought in "Captain Shreyas Iyer" to join their squad for the auction.

Why It Matters: Ricky Ponting's IPL auction absence forces Punjab Kings to enlist Shreyas Iyer.