Will Punjab Kings retain Glenn Maxwell ahead of IPL auction?
What's the story
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have released four players, including star Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and domestic players Kuldeep Sen and Vishnu Vinod, as per PTI. The decision comes as part of the team's pre-auction strategy for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. The move is aimed at rebalancing the squad and creating more overseas slots ahead of the mega event.
Performance review
Maxwell's disappointing season and subsequent release
Maxwell's release comes after a disappointing season where he struggled with form. The Australian all-rounder played seven matches, scoring just 48 runs and taking four wickets before a finger injury ended his campaign early. He was replaced by fellow Australian Mitchell Owen. While Owen has reportedly been retained, PBKS decided to part ways with Maxwell.
Squad changes
Hardie's exit and domestic players' non-participation
Aaron Hardie, who was bought for ₹1.25 crore in the last auction, didn't get a single game throughout the season. His exit has also been confirmed by an IPL source to PTI. Among the domestic players, Kuldeep Sen and Vishnu Vinod also leave without playing a single match in IPL 2025. Sen had joined PBKS for ₹80 lakh at the mega auction but remained on the bench throughout Punjab's run to the final.
Player history
Vinod's absence and future plans
Vinod, who joined ahead of the season, last played an IPL match in 2023 for Mumbai Indians. Punjab Kings are yet to reveal their retention strategy as the deadline approaches. The team is gearing up for a competitive auction pool and possible structural changes after a season that saw inconsistency but ended with a strong title run.