Glenn Maxwell takes indefinite break from IPL

KATHMANDU: Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has chosen to take an indefinite break from the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to mental and physical health reasons.

Maxwell, aged 35, has struggled with his form in the tournament, managing only 32 runs in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s first six matches. Consequently, he requested to be omitted from Monday’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Explaining his decision, Maxwell stated, “For me, personally, it was a pretty straightforward decision.” He approached captain Faf du Plessis and the coaching staff after the last game, expressing his readiness to make way for another player. Maxwell emphasized the importance of avoiding further decline in performance by taking proactive steps.

Despite a strong run of form leading up to the IPL, including notable performances in T20 cricket and the Cricket World Cup, Maxwell felt he wasn’t contributing positively to Bangalore’s campaign. He highlighted the transient nature of T20 cricket and expressed optimism about returning to form if given another opportunity after addressing his mental and physical well-being.

Maxwell’s decision to prioritize his health echoes similar moves by other players like England’s Ben Stokes, who took a break from cricket in 2021 to focus on his mental well-being and fitness. These instances underscore the growing awareness within the cricketing community about the importance of managing player workload and mental health amidst the demands of global franchise leagues.