With the way PBKS released Glenn Maxwell ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, many fans weren’t shocked. But what comes next is the real suspense. The question now hanging in the air is whether Glenn Maxwell’s IPL 2026 team will even exist if franchises hesitate to place a bid this year. This article breaks down why his release was expected, why his IPL form keeps dipping, and whether any team will take the gamble next month.
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Why Punjab Kings Finally Let Go and What Ponting Revealed?
If you look closely, the decision by PBKS to release Maxwell wasn’t sudden. The 2025 season was rough, and the numbers prove it. He scored just 48 runs in six innings with an average of 8.00, delivering almost no impact with the bat during crucial moments. Considering he was picked for ₹4.2 crore, his returns didn’t match the investment. This is exactly why PBKS released Maxwell before the upcoming season. Ricky Ponting’s explanation gives even more depth to the situation. Ponting said,
“I’ve worked with Glenn for a long time. I love Glenn and what he brings to the game. Unfortunately, last year we weren’t able to get the best out of him. And looking forward to this season, we didn’t feel that he was going to be part of our starting team. So we’ve decided to release Glenn.”
This statement makes it clear. Maxwell wasn’t going to make the XI, and with the IPL mini auction approaching, PBKS preferred freeing purse space instead of keeping an expensive wildcard. That naturally leads to the next question: can Maxwell’s IPL 2026 team take shape in a market where data-driven selections are stricter than ever?
When IPL Form and T20I Form Don’t Match…
Maxwell still shines in T20Is, and that’s the confusing part. He smashed 171 runs at 169.30 strike rate this year, including a brilliant 62* against South Africa. But when it comes to the IPL, something doesn’t click. Here are the last three IPL seasons:
| Season | Matches | Runs | Avg |
| IPL 2025 | 7 | 48 | 8.00 |
| IPL 2024 | 10 | 52 | 5.78 |
| IPL 2023 | 14 | 400 | 33.33 |
Only one season in recent years looks worthy of his name. His earlier numbers also show fluctuating returns, making him one of the most unpredictable performers in league history. Across his entire IPL career, Maxwell averages 23.89, with many seasons dipping below 20. This inconsistency is one of the major reasons PBKS moved on, and why Maxwell’s IPL 2026 team is not guaranteed. Franchises now compare his recent slump, 100 runs in his last 15 IPL innings at 6.67 average, against younger, more reliable options. And with the mini auction being a mini pool rather than a mega overhaul, teams will only pick players who solve clear tactical gaps.
The Auction Reality：Why Maxwell May Still Struggle in 2026?
This is where the challenge intensifies. The IPL has shifted toward reliability. Teams want consistency over reputation, and right now, Maxwell isn’t offering that. As analysts often say, the league has no space for high-risk players unless they’re in top form.
1. His Age and Form Are Working Against Him: Maxwell is now past 35. When combined with declining returns, teams worry about reflexes, recovery, and pressure handling.
2. His Category Has Fierce Competition: Younger overseas hitters, domestic spin-all-rounders, and PSL finishers will crowd his bracket. This means Glenn Maxwell’s IPL 2026 team needs a franchise willing to take a calculated gamble.
3. The Mini-Auction Doesn’t Favour High-Variance Players: Because it’s the IPL 2026 mini auction, teams have very specific needs, usually for specialists. Maxwell is seen now as a luxury pick rather than a necessity.
4. Franchise Strategies Have Shifted: Teams like CSK, GT, and KKR have moved toward predictable performers. This is one reason PBKS released Glenn Maxwell. They didn’t see guaranteed returns.
5. His Last Two Seasons Are Too Poor To Ignore: Just 100+ runs across two years. Even brilliant fielding and occasional off-spin can’t hide the primary weakness: runs.
Conclusion
The fact that PBKS released Glenn Maxwell wasn’t a shock to many fans. His form, injuries, and inconsistencies made the decision easy. What remains uncertain is whether Glenn Maxwell’s IPL 2026 team will materialize during the IPL 2026 mini auction, where franchises are expected to prioritize consistency above everything else. With younger players offering better value and reliability, Maxwell’s chances depend almost entirely on whether a team is willing to trust his experience over his recent numbers.
What’s the 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 for Glenn Maxwell in the IPL❓🤔👀 pic.twitter.com/7X6vFezx9J
— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) November 19, 2025
Still, the IPL auction is unpredictable. One bold franchise could decide he’s worth the gamble at a lower price. Until the hammer falls, the fate of Glenn Maxwell in 2026 remains one of the biggest unanswered questions of the season.
