Big news has emerged regarding Australia’s star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. Punjab Kings (PBKS) released him, and now reports are confirming that Maxwell will not be entering the IPL 2026 auction.
This news is a major blow to IPL fans, as Maxwell has always been considered one of the tournament’s top impact players.
PBKS released him after his poor form last season, and now his decision to stay away from the auction is being widely discussed.
PBKS released, other players given a chance in Maxwell’s place
Glenn Maxwell’s performance in IPL 2025 was extremely poor. He scored only 48 runs in six innings and was dismissed at an average of 8.
PBKS had already released five players before the season, including Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardy, Kuldeep Sen, and Praveen Dubey. But Maxwell’s ouster became the biggest headline.
Cricket expert Aakash Chopra also had a significant comment on this decision.
On his YouTube show, he bluntly stated: “They have said they will let Glenn Maxwell go. Maxwell was for ₹4.20 crore. Mitchell Owen was retained, and Maxwell was let go. Is it the end of an era? He has earned ₹101 crore from the IPL.”
Chopra further stated that he wouldn’t be surprised if Maxwell doesn’t enter the IPL 2026 auction.
He said: “He might put his name in, or he might not even put his name in. So that’s going to be an interesting one.”
Maxwell’s release has fueled speculation that his long IPL career may finally be coming to an end.
PBKS’ team strategy and IPL 2026 preparations have changed
PBKS now has a remaining purse of ₹11.50 crore for Next IPL and needs to add four players, of which only two can be foreigners.
According to PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting, Josh Inglis will not be available for the entire season, so he was forced to leave.
It has also emerged that the team is now looking for a reliable middle-order batsman, and cricket pundits believe Cooper Connolly could be on their radar.
The team is also looking for a backup pacer and an Indian spin option to ensure a balanced squad before the start of Upcoming IPL.
Meanwhile, the biggest question remains, because Maxwell’s absence from the auction has affected the plans of many teams.
But for now, it is certain that Glenn Maxwell’s absence from IPL 2026 has changed the headlines of the entire tournament.
