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Explained: How can Glenn Maxwell still play IPL 2026 despite not registering in auction?

Prachi Rajan

Can Maxwell still play IPL 2026 (X.com/@cricbuzz)Can Maxwell still play IPL 2026 (X.com/@cricbuzz)

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell announced that he will not take part in the upcoming IPL 2026 auction, scheduled on 16 December, marking a pause in his long and successful association with the league. Aussie superstar Maxwell, who has been one of the IPL’s most dynamic overseas performers, in a social media post, said that he is stepping back from the upcoming season, drawing the curtain on his IPL journey for the time being.

The Australian amassed 2,819 runs across 141 matches in his IPL career, at a strike rate of over 155, playing primarily for Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and also briefly for Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC, then Delhi Daredevils).

Now the question comes whether Glenn Maxwell can still take part in the cash-rich tournament? 

How do IPL Rules allow Maxwell to play in 2026 without auction registration?

Making his IPL debut in 2012, Maxwell's decision to opt out of the auction raised concerns about his future participation in the league. According to the IPL rulebook, overseas players must register for the mega auctions, preventing players from trying to earn big money in mini auctions, where the franchises aim to fill in the holes in their already existing squads. 

Ahead of IPL 2024, the IPL Governing Council decided, "Any Overseas Player will have to register for the Big Auction. In case the overseas player doesn't register, then he will be ineligible to register in the following year’s player auction."

"Any player who registers in the player auction and after getting picked at the auction, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season, will get banned from participating in the tournament and player auction for 2 Seasons," the IPL Rule further states.

Notably, the absence from the mega auction implies a 2-year ban on the player from the league. 

In contrast, Maxwell's choice not to register for the upcoming mini auction doesn't put him in the position to be banned as per the revised 2024 IPL rules. Hence, he can still be a part of the all-important 19th edition of the league if introduced as an injury replacement by the respective team. 

Moreover, in the gratitude post, Maxwell, while thanking for the opportunity and support, expressed optimism about returning to the league, writing, "Thank you for all your support over the years, hopefully see you soon."  The later part of the message implies that the player might have kept his doors open regarding IPL participation. 

Now, it will be interesting to see whether Maxwell will follow their footsteps and register for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 season or remains available for IPL 2026.