Punjab Kings (PBKS)which is owned by bollywood actress Preity Zintahas taken the important decision of releasing Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell before the IPL 2026 auction. Maxwell’s IPL 2025 campaign was hampered by poor form and injury, resulting in a low-impact season. He played only seven matches, scoring 48 runs at an average of 26, with four single-digit scores and a highest score of 30. Additionally, his participation was cut short due to a finger injury, which ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament.
Why did Punjab Kings decide to release Glenn Maxwell?
The decision to part ways with Maxwell is in line with Punjab Kings’ pre-auction strategy of reshaping their squad and freeing up slots for foreign players. The franchise is focusing on rejuvenating the squad with younger and more consistent performers, as well as balancing the squad to address key areas such as finishing and bowling. Maxwell’s release is part of a larger move that also includes the release of at least four other players to make room for new talent 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 previously 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 for the 2025 season reflect this decline, although he remains a striker with an impressive international T20 record.
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 after Lockie Ferguson’s injury, could take only five wickets in four matches. Dubey played only one game, while Hardy, Sen and Vinod did not play a single match for PBKS during the IPL 2025 season.
The franchise is now looking to rebuild the core with players who can consistently perform well under pressure, especially at crucial stages of the game.
Also read: IPL 2026 Retention – Devon Conway reacts after being released from CSK squad