Glenn Maxwell has established himself as one of the most exciting and sought-after overseas players in the history of the Indian Premier League. Popularly known as the ‘Big Show’, the Australian all-rounder has repeatedly attracted massive bids from franchises looking to add explosive batting power and valuable spin-bowling options to their squads.
On November 2, 2026, Maxwell announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable career with Australia. Although his IPL journey has featured both extraordinary highs and disappointing spells, his reputation as a game-changing T20 cricketer has consistently made him a valuable commodity at auction.
Over the years, several franchises have invested heavily in securing his services, with bidding wars pushing his price to impressive heights. Let’s have a look at some major occasions when IPL teams committed substantial amounts of money to bring Maxwell into their squads.
5 times Glenn Maxwell triggered massive bidding wars at IPL auctions
1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2021) – ₹14.25 Crore
Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a massive investment in Maxwell ahead of the 2021 IPL season. The Australian had endured a disappointing campaign with Kings XI Punjab in 2020, managing just 108 runs without hitting a single six throughout the tournament.
Despite those struggles, his reputation and explosive potential attracted considerable interest at the auction. Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings and RCB were among the franchises involved in the bidding contest.
RCB eventually secured his services for a staggering ₹14.25 crore, making it one of the biggest purchases of that auction. The investment paid off immediately, as Maxwell enjoyed an outstanding season, scoring 513 runs and becoming a crucial part of the team’s batting lineup.
2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2022) – ₹11 Crore
Following Maxwell’s impressive comeback in 2021, RCB were keen to retain the Australian ahead of the IPL 2022 mega-auction. Rather than allowing him to enter the auction pool, the franchise exercised its retention option and secured his services for ₹11 crore. The decision reflected the importance he had gained within the team’s middle-order setup.
Maxwell continued to represent RCB in the following seasons, offering explosive batting, useful off-spin and flexibility in the playing XI. His ability to change the momentum of matches made him an important part of the franchise’s plans through the 2024 season.
3. Kings XI Punjab (2020) – ₹10.75 Crore
Kings XI Punjab, now known as Punjab Kings, made another significant investment in Maxwell at the 2020 IPL auction. The franchise wanted to strengthen its middle order with an overseas player capable of delivering quick runs while also contributing with the ball. Maxwell’s previous IPL performances and all-round abilities made him an attractive candidate.
Punjab entered a competitive bidding contest with Delhi Capitals before eventually purchasing the Australian for ₹10.75 crore. However, this particular investment did not produce the desired results. Maxwell struggled to make an impact during the 2020 campaign, scoring only 108 runs in 13 matches without registering a six.
4. Delhi Daredevils (2018) – ₹9 Crore
Delhi Daredevils, now called Delhi Capitals, were another franchise willing to spend heavily on Maxwell. Ahead of the 2018 season, Delhi invested ₹9 crore to bring the Australian into their squad. His aggressive approach and ability to contribute in multiple departments were viewed as valuable additions to the team’s setup.
Maxwell was expected to provide the firepower required in the middle order and help Delhi compete against some of the strongest bowling attacks in the tournament. However, his stint with the franchise did not turn into the kind of consistent success that the team would have hoped for.
Also READ: Glenn Maxwell retires: Aussie World Cup hero’s international career stats
5. Kings XI Punjab (2014) – ₹6 Crore
Kings XI Punjab made one of the most influential purchases of Maxwell’s IPL career when they signed him for ₹6 crore at the 2014 auction. Having attracted considerable attention with his performances in the previous season, the Australian entered the auction as one of the exciting overseas prospects. Punjab recognised his potential and made a substantial investment to bring him into their squad.
The decision proved to be a masterstroke. Maxwell produced a sensational campaign, accumulating 552 runs at an incredible strike rate of 187.75. His fearless batting played a major role in Punjab’s remarkable run to the IPL 2014 final, where they eventually finished as runners-up. It remains one of the standout individual seasons of his IPL career.
It is also worth remembering that Maxwell’s big-money IPL journey began even earlier. In 2013, Mumbai Indians signed him for approximately ₹5.3 crore (US$1 million), making him the only million-dollar purchase at that particular auction.
Will Glenn Maxwell Attract Another Big Bid in IPL 2027?
With Maxwell having announced his retirement from international cricket, attention will now shift towards his future in franchise-based T20 competitions. The decision could make him an interesting prospect for IPL franchises ahead of the 2027 season. Without international commitments, he could potentially offer greater availability and dedicate more time to franchise cricket.
His experience, ability to dismantle spin attacks and useful off-spin remain valuable qualities in the shortest format. Several teams looking to strengthen their middle order could therefore consider entering the bidding race for the Australian. The IPL 2027 mini-auction could provide Maxwell with another opportunity to secure a lucrative contract. However, his recent performances, fitness, availability and expected price will determine just how aggressively franchises pursue him.
Also READ: ‘The Big Show’ bows out: Glenn Maxwell bids farewell to international cricket
