IPL 2026: Glenn Maxwell pulls out of auction, sparks IPL retirement speculation

Glenn Maxwell has opted out of the auction ahead of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. Since making his IPL debut in 2012, Maxwell has missed only one session until now.

Although he did not provide any formal clarification regarding his decision, Maxwell expressed gratitude for being able to feature in the marquee league since the past many seasons. He also credited the league for shaping him professionally and thanked his supporters in India for having his back.

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The social media has left netizens wondering about the reason behind the abrupt decision as plenty of fans in India and the cricket fraternity were keen to watch him play in the IPL.

Maxwell, who is set to feature for Melbourne Stars in the 2025-26 edition of the Big Bash League for Melbourne Stars, has played 141 IPL games across four different franchises. He represented Punjab Kings in the 2025 iteration. The 2024 and 2025 seasons were rather forgettable for the Australian all-rounder.

In 2024, he managed to score only 52 runs in nine innings in his fourth straight season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He was bought by PBKS at the mega auction before IPL 2025. However, there was no change in his form as Maxwell could muster only 48 runs in six innings. He was not retained by the 2025 runners-up eventually.

The 37-year-old batting all-rounder had announced his retirement from ODI cricket earlier in the year. The move was understood to enhance his focus on the shortest format. He was recently a part of Australia’s squad in the T20I series against India. With the T20 World Cup approaching, it remains to be seen whether Maxwell will be selected or ignored.