Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) player Glenn Maxwell has withdrawn from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, which is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16. The veteran all-rounder released an official statement and revealed why he did not put his name in the much-awaited auction.
The 37-year-old had a poor outing for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025. He scored just 48 runs in six innings, with a strike rate below 100, and picked up four wickets before his season was cut short due to a broken finger. The veteran player was not on the retention list announced by the franchise last month.
I have decided not to put my name in the auction – Glenn Maxwell
On Tuesday, December 2, Glenn Maxwell confirmed via an Instagram post that he will not be participating in the IPL 2026 season. The Australian all-rounder thanked the IPL for the impact it has had on both his cricket career and his personal growth over the years.
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“After many unforgettable seasons in the IPL, I have decided not to put my name up for auction this year. It is an important decision, and I do so with great gratitude for everything this league has given me. The IPL has helped shape me as a cricketer and as a person,” Maxwell wrote.
🚨 GLENN MAXWELL ON MISSING IPL 2026. 🚨 pIc.twItter.com/bBNLbWBZbj
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 2, 2025
I had the chance to play with world class teammates – Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell said he feels lucky to have shared the field with top players. He said the experiences, challenges and atmosphere of playing in India in front of passionate fans will always stay with him.
“I have been fortunate to play with world-class teammates, represent incredible franchises and play in front of fans whose passion is unmatched. The memories, challenges and energy of India will stay with me forever. Thank you for all your support over the years, hope to see you soon. Well done Maxi,” he added.
A report by Cricbuzz has revealed that 1,355 cricketers have put their names forward for the upcoming IPL auction, with 1,062 Indian players and 293 foreign players. The ten franchises combined can only recruit 77 players, including 31 foreign players. Each team is allowed a maximum size of 25 people.
A look at Glenn Maxwell’s IPL numbers
Glenn Maxwell made his IPL debut with Delhi Capitals in 2012. He went on to play for several teams including Mumbai Indians (MI), Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The all-rounder played 141 matches and scored 2,819 runs with a strike rate of over 155, including 18 half-centuries along the way. The off-spinner also took 41 wickets in the tournament.
After winning the title in 2013 with Mumbai, he had a good spell with Punjab. RCB got him for a whopping ₹14.25 crore contract in 2021. He had an exceptional season, scoring 513 runs. However, it has struggled to justify its price in 2024.
The all-rounder managed just 52 runs in nine innings. Following this poor run, RCB released him. Punjab Kings signed him during last year’s mega auction.
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