Glenn Maxwell, whose IPL career over the last decade has generally been unimpressive, chose to pull out of the forthcoming mini auctions slated in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
The 37-year-old, famously known as “Big Show” for having a remarkable talent in his earlier days, has played every IPL season since 2012, skipping one in 2019.
He has managed only 2819 runs in 141 games with a strike rate of 155 plus and an average of less than 24, which doesn’t justify the kind of money that he has been constantly collecting in auctions over the years. At an economy rate of 8.30, he also took 41 wickets with his off-breaks.
“After many unforgettable seasons in the IPL, I ‘ve decided not to put my name into auctions this year. It’s a big call and one I make with a lot of gratitude for everything this league has given me,” Maxwell wrote on his Instagram page.
“The IPL has shaped me as a cricketer and as a person. I have been lucky to play with world class teammates, incredible franchises, and perform in-front of fans whose passion is unmatched. The memories, challenges and the energy of India will stay with me forever.”
While Maxwell didn’t mention a reason, it is apparent that most franchises have grown weary of waiting for him to provide a solid season, something that has been rare.
His multi-million dollar buys at auction often defied logic with franchise owners attributing it to market forces. However, it is now evident that Maxwell was being paid far more than he deserved due to the growing use of data analytics.
He has played in 13 seasons, but only once, in 2021, did he reach 500 runs—513 with six fifties and a strike rate of at least 144.
In the last two seasons (2024 and 2025), he scored a pitiful 100 runs in 17 games with an aggregate of 52 and 48 runs, respectively, demonstrating that he is no longer a desirable commodity on the IPL market.
He had left the previous season after playing seven games due to a finger injury and had not returned when the IPL resumed following Operation Sindoor.
