KEY POINTS
- Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell announces he will not enter the IPL 2026 auction.
- Maxwell opts to focus on other cricketing opportunities, without citing a specific reason.
- Earlier, Du Plessis and Moeen Ali have confirmed their participation in PSL instead.
ISLAMABAD: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is undergoing a drastic shift as, following South Africa’s explosive hitter Faf du Plessis and England’s Moeen Ali, Australian star Glenn Maxwell has also decided to quit playing the tournament, choosing instead to focus on other cricketing opportunities.
Maxwell, the Australian all-rounder renowned for his explosive batting and off-spin, made a big announcement on social media, revealing his decision not to enter the IPL 2026 auction.
The 37-year-old, who has enjoyed several memorable seasons in the IPL, called the move a “big call” but expressed deep gratitude for everything the league had given him.
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Maxwell’s message on Instagram read: “After many unforgettable seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name in the auction this year. It’s a big call, and one I make with a lot of gratitude for everything this league has given me.”
While he did not cite a specific reason for his decision, Maxwell acknowledged the IPL’s significant role in shaping his career both as a cricketer and as a person.
Reflecting on his experiences, he said, “I’ve been lucky to play with world-class teammates, represent incredible franchises, and perform in front of fans whose passion is unmatched.”
Maxwell also expressed his lasting fondness for the challenges and energy of playing in India. “The memories, the challenges, and the energy of India will stay with me forever,” he added.
Maxwell, who has represented four IPL franchises—Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and Punjab Kings—has had a distinguished IPL career, which now seems to be taking a different path.
The timing of Maxwell’s withdrawal comes just days after Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali made headlines with their own announcements to forgo the IPL 2026.
Du Plessis, former South African captain and current leader of Royal Challengers Bangalore, announced that he would not feature in the IPL this season, instead opting for the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
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Speaking on his decision, du Plessis said, “It’s an exciting step for me, a chance to experience something new, to grow as a player, and to embrace a league filled with incredible talent and energy.”
This decision marks a significant departure from the IPL, where du Plessis had established himself as a key player.
Moeen Ali, the dynamic England all-rounder, also chose the PSL over the IPL for the upcoming season. Ali, who has played for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, shared his excitement about joining the PSL, calling it “an exciting new era for the league.”
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He emphasized the PSL’s growing reputation for top-level T20 cricket, saying, “The league has earned a reputation for top-level T20 cricket, with high-quality competition and world-class talent across every team.”
With these high-profile withdrawals, the IPL faces the challenge of filling the void left by these seasoned players. The shifts in player preferences highlight the growing allure of the other franchise cricket.
Faf and Moin have already announced to play Pakistan Super League (PSL), rather Indian Premier League (IPL), which has steadily risen in stature as a competitive T20 league; however, Maxwell has not given the specific reason for getting away from IPL.
