Kings of Punjab (PBKS)property of Bollywood actress Preity Zintahave made the important decision to release Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Maxwell’s IPL 2025 campaign was hampered by poor form and injuries, resulting in a low-impact season. He played only seven matches, scoring 48 points at an average of 26, with four single-digit scores and a highest score of 30. Additionally, a finger injury reduced his participation, ruling him out for the rest of the tournament.
Why Punjab Kings decided to release Glenn Maxwell?
The decision to part ways with Maxwell aligns with Punjab Kings’ pre-auction strategy to reshape their squad and free up spots for overseas players. The franchise is focused on rejuvenating the team with younger, more consistent players, while balancing the team to address key areas like finishing and bowling. Maxwell’s release is part of a larger move that includes the release of at least four other players to create room for new talent on the team. IPL 2026 Auction scheduled for December 16 outside India.
Maxwell’s IPL journey with Punjab Kings
Maxwell’s return to Punjab Kings in 2025 was seen as a homecoming, having played with PBKS between 2014-2017 and again in 2021. Despite his explosive debut season in the IPL, Maxwell has struggled to find consistent form in recent years. His statistics from the 2025 season reflect this decline, although he remains a striker with an impressive T20 international record.
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Some other big names released by Punjab Kings
The additional players released by PBKS are Aaron Hardie, Kyle Jamieson, Kuldeep Sen, Praveen Dubey and Vishnu Vinod. Jamieson, who joined the team as Lockie Ferguson’s replacement, managed to take just five wickets in four matches. Dubey featured in only one match, while Hardie, Sen and Vinod did not play a single match for PBKS in the IPL 2025 season.
The franchise is now looking to rebuild its core with players who can perform consistently under pressure, especially in crucial phases of the game.
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