In a major blow to Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 campaign, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a fractured finger. The injury occurred during a training session just before PBKS were set to face Kolkata Knight Riders—a match that eventually ended without a result due to rain. Despite the injury, Maxwell played through pain and managed only 7 runs, extending what has been a tough run with the bat this season.
The franchise confirmed the development via their social media, wishing Maxwell a speedy recovery and thanking him for his commitment. It’s a disappointing end for a player who was expected to play a crucial role in the middle order, especially under the guidance of new head coach Ricky Ponting.
Ricky Ponting, speaking after the match, acknowledged the void Glenn Maxwell’s absence leaves in the squad but assured fans that the management is already working on finding a suitable replacement. “We will be signing some replacements at some stage,” Ponting stated. “We’ve got until our 12th game, so we have a couple more games to figure it out. With the squad we have, we’re also exploring internal options.”
ALSO READ: Suryakumar Yadav Recalls Sleepless Night Before His Mumbai Indians Debut
Among the names in consideration are Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai, Australia’s Aaron Hardie, and pacer Xavier Bartlett. Ponting hinted that selections could be condition-specific, especially with PBKS’s next two fixtures taking place in Dharamsala—against Lucknow Super Giants on May 4 and Delhi Capitals on May 8—where seam and swing might be more effective.
🚨 Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of the remainder of the season due to a finger injury. We wish him a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/2pHCxuAOoK
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 1, 2025
Ponting admitted the challenge of finding quality replacements at this stage of the tournament, particularly with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) running simultaneously. “It’s not easy,” he said. “Maxi’s been out just a couple of days, and Lockie (Ferguson) has been out for a few weeks. We’ve been patient, watching both overseas and domestic players.”
ALSO READ: Shreyas Iyer Fined ₹12 Lakh for Slow Over-Rate Despite PBKS Win Over CSK
The team has also invited a few promising Indian talents to train and travel with the squad to Dharamsala for a closer evaluation. “We’ll need to make a decision this week before our 12th game,” Ricky Ponting said. “So stay tuned.”
Currently sitting second on the points table behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings will hope to plug the Maxwell-sized gap efficiently as they eye a strong finish and a deep playoff run.
