The release of names like Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, and Josh Inglis by Punjab Kings prior to the IPL 2026 auction was a big surprise for many, and head coach Ricky Ponting gave an explanation for the huge decision.

The whole action was a part of the tactics to manage overseas and local player slots, however, Ponting mentioned that Maxwell was a little more valuable with the cash and shooting space, considering he may be playing in the starting XI for next year’s IPL.

Ponting calling the shots on who goes and who stays – Maxwell, Inglis take the fall for IPL 2026

In the discussion on JioStars Retention Show, Ricky Ponting was saying that the three foreign players were released to make room for the overseas players ahead of the mini-auction scheduled for December 16.

“The biggest name we are releasing this year is Glenn Maxwell. I have worked with Glenn a long time. I love him and what he brings to the game. Unfortunately, last year we could not get the best out of him, and looking ahead we did not feel he would be in our starting team, so we decided to release him. Aaron Hardie is the other overseas all-rounder we are releasing. He never got a chance to play for us last year. It is hard to let such players go, but we need to open up overseas slots for the auction. Unfortunately, Aaron Hardie is a release,” Ponting said

While discussing the elimination of Maxwell and Aaron Hardie from the team, Ponting also mentioned the omission of Josh Inglis whо has been doing some important work for the team in IPL 2025, thus, putting the doubts of his availability for the 2026 edition.

“Josh Inglis is another one. He played some great knocks for us in the second half of the tournament. He missed a few games for different reasons and was also aware he would not be available for most of the tournament this year,” the coach commented.

A quick look at the performances of Maxwell and Inglis in IPL 2025

Glenn Maxwell did not shine with either bat or ball. His batting results made him figure in 7 matches, from which he could gain merely 48 runs, causing a terribly poor average of 8.00. Even as a bowler, he was not very convincing either, for he managed to take only 4 wickets, being tied to an economy rate of 8.46 which is quite high.

On the other hand, Josh Inglis was a good player in Punjab Kings’ team who sometimes was the factor responsible for getting a solid total to claim the victory or ease the pressure while chasing a big score. Inglis made 278 runs over 11 innings for Punjab in the year 2025 with an average of 30.88 at a rate of 162.57.

Punjab, having released the three overseas players, also disposed of Kuldeep Sen and Praveen Dubey, and will be entering the auction with a budget of INR 11.50 crore to make the required additions to their squad for the next season.