In a move that has sent ripples through the cricketing community, Australian superstar Glenn Maxwell has decided to withdraw his name from the upcoming IPL 2026 auction. This announcement brings an unexpected and emotional halt to his long and vibrant tenure in the world's premier T20 league.
An Emotional Farewell on Social Media
Maxwell made his decision public through a heartfelt note posted on Instagram. The all-rounder expressed deep gratitude towards the Indian Premier League, its fans, and the franchises he has represented over the years.
In his message, Maxwell reflected on his journey, stating that the IPL played a pivotal role in shaping him both as a cricketer and an individual. He thanked his world-class teammates, the incredible franchises, and the passionately unmatched fans of India. "The memories, the challenges, and the energy of India will stay with me forever," he wrote, signing off with a hopeful "hopefully see you soon."
A Forgettable Final Season with Punjab Kings
The decision follows a particularly difficult IPL 2025 campaign for the dynamic player. Having been bought by the Punjab Kings for ₹4.20 crore, Maxwell's performance was below his usual explosive standards.
His batting statistics for the season tell a stark story:
- Matches Played: 7
- Total Runs: 48
- Batting Average: 8
- Strike Rate: 97.96
While his primary contribution with the bat was limited, he did manage to pick up four wickets with his off-spin, providing some value with the ball. This underwhelming season appears to have influenced his major call to step back from the auction pool.
A Growing Trend of High-Profile Exits
Maxwell's withdrawal is not an isolated incident but part of a noticeable trend ahead of IPL 2026. He joins a growing list of celebrated overseas players who are stepping away from the tournament.
Earlier, former Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis also opted out of the upcoming season. In another significant development, West Indies powerhouse Andre Russell announced his retirement from the IPL after being released by the Kolkata Knight Riders. Russell, however, will remain connected to the KKR franchise, transitioning into a role within their support staff for the upcoming season.
These exits mark a shifting landscape for the league, as it prepares for a new auction cycle without some of its most charismatic and experienced international stars. For the Punjab Kings and co-owner Preity Zinta, Maxwell's departure is a significant blow, removing a key match-winner and a major crowd-puller from their roster possibilities.
