Melbourne: Star Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has confirmed that he will not be entering the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, posting a heartfelt message on social media reflecting on his illustrious career in the league. The announcement comes shortly after Maxwell was released by Punjab Kings (PBKS), marking the end of another chapter in his IPL journey.
In his Instagram post, Maxwell expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities the IPL has provided, both on and off the field. “After many unforgettable seasons in the IPL, I've decided not to put my name into the auction this year. It's a big call, and one I make with a lot of gratitude for everything this league has given me,” he wrote.
The 37-year-old recalled the highlights of his IPL tenure, noting the world-class teammates, passionate fans, and unforgettable experiences that shaped him as both a cricketer and a person. “The memories, the challenges, and the energy of India will stay with me forever. Thank you for all your support over the years, hopefully see you soon,” Maxwell concluded.
Maxwell joins other high-profile international stars, including Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali, in opting out of the IPL 2026 mini auction. Cricket circles are now speculating whether Maxwell may participate in the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) instead, following the trend of several overseas players exploring alternative T20 leagues.
Over 141 IPL matches, Maxwell has amassed 2,819 runs at an impressive strike rate exceeding 155. His stints with Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were the most notable, though he also played for Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC, then Delhi Daredevils). Maxwell’s IPL journey has been a roller-coaster, capable of extraordinary performances but occasionally inconsistent seasons.
Maxwell’s lone IPL title came in 2013 with MI, where he played a supporting role in the championship-winning side. His market value in auctions has often been among the highest, peaking in IPL 2021 when RCB secured him for Rs 14.25 crore. He was also the top-paid player in the 2013 IPL auction with MI.
Purchased by PBKS for Rs 4.2 crore ahead of IPL 2025, Maxwell endured an injury-hit season and was subsequently released ahead of IPL 2026, prompting his decision to step away from this year’s auction.
Maxwell’s announcement not only marks a pause in his IPL career but also highlights the broader trend of experienced international players reassessing their commitments to the league. Fans and cricket analysts alike will now watch closely to see if he opts to explore opportunities in other T20 leagues around the world.