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"Weren't able to get the best out of...": Ricky Ponting explains Maxwell, Inglis release

Soumyajit Dutta

Ricky Ponting explains Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis shock releases [Source: @itz_chillax/X.com]Ricky Ponting explains Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis shock releases [Source: @itz_chillax/X.com]

While the IPL 2026 retention list was a blockbuster in its true sense with many surprise releases, KKR and PBKS were two of the franchises that stunned fans and cricket experts alike with their decisions. 

Notably, Punjab Kings released star England wicket-keeper batter Josh Inglis and Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. 

As this decision shocked many, PBKS coach Ricky Ponting explained that Maxwell was not worth the investment and that Inglis would not be available for the IPL because the franchise requires his services.

Ponting explains why Josh Inglis was released

While Punjab Kings retained their core under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, Ricky Ponting explained that Josh Inglis' availability is a concern for the franchise, as he won't be available for the entirety of the season.

"Josh is a terrific player. I would have loved to have had him as part of our squad going forward. But this year, he wasn't going to be available for the majority of the tournament. So for that reason, I found it pretty much impossible to be able to retain him," Ponting told Star Sports after the retention list was revealed.

Glenn Maxwell lacks the spark

Speaking of Glenn Maxwell, who bagged only 48 runs and 4 wickets from his 7 outings, Ponting was straightforward as he said he wasn't a performer in the previous season, and it makes no sense for the team to hold back an underperformer.

"Love Glenn and what he brings to the game. Unfortunately, last year we weren’t able to get the best out of him. Looking ahead to this season, we didn’t feel he would be part of our starting team, so we decided to release him," Ponting added.

Nevertheless, the 2025 runners-up retained 21 players and have four available slots, two of which are overseas, to fill before the IPL mini auction on December 16.