Why did Punjab Kings release Glenn Maxwell ahead of IPL 2026? - Ricky Ponting explains

Published - 15 Nov 2025, 21:49 IST | Updated - 15 Nov 2025, 21:59 IST

Punjab Kings' head coach Ricky Ponting has clarified the franchise and the management's decision surrounding Glenn Maxwell being released from the squad ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League. Maxwell, once a very high in demand draw, was in PBKS' list of six players they released. Maxwell's return to PBKS in 2025 was not a pleasant one. He scored 48 runs in six innings at a strike rate of only 97.95.

One of Maxwell's six innings last IPL comprised a 30, which made his overall tally look a little better than what it could have been. PBKS snapped the batting all-rounder's services for INR 4.2 crore at the mega auction ahead of IPL 2025. Ponting was blunt in admitting that the think tank did not feel as if the ace Australian could fit into the XI, which became a chief reason for looking past him.

“Love Glenn and what he brings to the game. Unfortunately, last year, we weren’t able to get the best out of him. Looking ahead to this season, we didn’t feel he would be part of our starting team, so we decided to release him,” stated Ponting in a conversation with Star Sports after the retentions were announced on Saturday.

The 2025 season had marked the Australian all-rounder's return to the PBKS set-up after four years with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The 2020 installment was in fact Maxwell's second stint with the Punjab-based franchise. He had had an underwhelming season then too, managing to score only 108 runs in 11 innings.

Maxwell was at his fiery best in his maiden season for PBKS in 2014. He struck at a remarkable 187.75 while playing 16 matches. Incidentally, that was also PBKS' first season of reaching the IPL final. They reached the summit clash again 11 years later, in 2025.

Why did PBKS release Josh Inglis for IPL 2026? Explained

Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen, and Praveen Dubey are the other players released along with Maxwell. Going into the mini auction which will take place next month around December 16, PBKS have a remaining purse of INR 11.5 crore with four slots remaining. It will be interesting to see which franchise goes after Maxwell, and whether he even attracts any bids.