Australia’s veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has officially announced that he will not be entering the IPL 2026 mini-auction, signalling that he may have already played his final match in the world’s most celebrated T20 league. The 37-year-old becomes the latest major international name—after Andre Russell and Faf du Plessis—to withdraw from the December 16 auction in Abu Dhabi. His decision marks the potential end of a colourful, unpredictable, and often polarising IPL career that spanned over a decade.
Maxwell confirmed the news through an emotional social media post, stating that the decision came after extensive reflection. With Russell moving into a coaching role at KKR and the scarcity of quality overseas all-rounders, Glenn Maxwell would have likely attracted significant interest and a hefty price tag. Yet he opted to step aside, choosing gratitude over another high-stakes season.
“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,” Glenn Maxwell wrote.
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His last IPL appearance came for Punjab Kings under captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting. A finger injury eventually ruled him out of the season, ending what had already been a difficult run. Bought for ₹4.2 crore in the mega auction, Glenn Maxwell had attracted bids from CSK and SRH before Punjab secured him, but he delivered only 48 runs in six innings, used mainly as a bowling option.
Maxwell’s statement strongly hinted at closure: “The IPL has helped shape me as a cricketer and as a person… The memories, the challenges, and the energy of India will stay with me forever.”
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Across 141 IPL matches, Maxwell scored 2,819 runs at an average of 23.88. He debuted with Delhi Capitals in 2012, won the title with Mumbai Indians in 2013, and had a rollercoaster stint with Punjab Kings between 2014 and 2017. His most successful period came with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he finally displayed consistency, amassing 513, 301, and 400 runs in his first three seasons after being bought for a massive ₹14.25 crore in 2021.
But the highs were offset by frustrating lows — notably the 2018 season with Delhi Capitals, where he scored just 169 runs despite his ₹9 crore price tag. The 2024 season proved the final blow as he managed only 52 runs in nine innings before being released by RCB.
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Meanwhile, the IPL 2026 mini-auction has drawn 1,355 registered players, with 45 names — including Cameron Green, Liam Livingstone, Venkatesh Iyer, and Matheesha Pathirana — placing themselves in the top bracket of ₹2 crore. Across 10 franchises, 77 slots are up for grabs, with teams required to submit their final shortlists by December 5.
Maxwell’s exit marks the end of an era — one defined by explosive brilliance, unpredictability, and unforgettable IPL moments.
