Glenn Maxwell ditches India; signs lucrative deal in PSL after making himself unavailable for IPL 2026 - Reports
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Glenn Maxwell opted out of IPL 2026 auction last year.
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who was part of Punjab Kings (PBKS) squad in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, will now be featuring in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, as per the reports. He was ruled out of the IPL 2025 midway after suffering a finger injury. Scoring 78 runs and picking eight wickets across nine games, he failed to make a mark in the season.
PBKS, who finished as runners-up in IPL 2025 after losing the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), released Maxwell from their squad ahead of the next season. Surprisingly, the Australian stalwart did not participate in the IPL 2026 mini-auction in December after being part of the tournament for 14 years since 2012.
After making his debut in the 2012 edition, Maxwell played for various teams in the IPL. He was also part of the PBKS side that ended as runners-up in the 2014 edition and played a key role in their success. Moreover, he also earned whopping amounts in IPL auctions and earned more than INR 100 crore from the tournament.
Glenn Maxwell joins Peshawar Zalmi for PSL 2026
The right-handed batsman is all set to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He has been picked by Peshawar Zalmi for INR 1.47 crore (PKR 4.5 crore) for PSL 2026. The 11th edition of Pakistan’s franchise T20 tournament will witness an auction for the first time after following a player-draft system in the previous seasons.
The tournament will also observe the addition of two new franchises, making it an eight-team tournament. PSL 2026 auction will take place on February 11 and all the teams will be allowed to pick four players in their squad ahead of the event.
Meanwhile, Maxwell has extensive experience in IPL, playing a total of 141 matches. At a strike rate of 155.15, he piled up 2819 runs with 18 half-centuries. With his off-spin, he clinched 41 scalps at an economy of 8.30. His best show with the bat arrived in the 2014 edition, when he amassed 552 runs in 16 games. 2021 was the only other season where he crossed the 500-run mark.
While pulling out of IPL 2026 in December, Maxwell had thanked the league for providing him opportunities and shaping his cricket career.
“After many unforgettable seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into 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,” he had said in an official statement.
“The IPL has helped shape me as a cricketer and as a person. I’ve been lucky to play with world-class teammates, represent incredible franchises, and perform in front of fans whose passion is unmatched. The memories, the challenges, and the energy of India will stay with me forever,” he had added.
Glenn Maxwell will represent which team in PSL 2026?
Glenn Maxwell will represent Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2026.
Glenn Maxwell was part of which team in IPL 2025?
Glenn Maxwell was part of Punjab Kings in IPL 2025.
When will PSL 2026 auction take place?
PSL 2026 auction will take place on February 11.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.