Punjab Kings (PBKS)owned by Bollywood actress Preity Zintahave made a significant 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 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, a finger injury curtailed his participation, ruling him out for the remainder 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 overseas player slots. The franchise is focusing on rejuvenating the team with younger and more consistent performers, while also balancing the squad 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 fresh talent at the 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 stints 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 2025 season stats 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 squad as Lockie Ferguson’s injury replacement, managed to take just five wickets in four matches. Dubey featured in only one game, while Hardie, 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 deliver consistently under pressure, particularly in crucial phases of the game.