Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will prioritize his mental and physical well-being before joining the Washington Freedom for the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC). This decision comes after taking an indefinite break from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where he was part of the struggling Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Maxwell’s struggles in the IPL were evident, with only 32 runs scored in six innings. This, coupled with the pressure on RCB currently sitting at the bottom of the points table, likely contributed to his need for a break.
However, fans of the 36-year-old can breathe a sigh of relief. Joining MLC signifies his intent to return to action soon. The tournament kicks off on July 4th, and it’s expected that Maxwell will complete his IPL commitments with RCB before joining his MLC franchise.
A hip strain forced Maxwell to miss RCB’s upcoming match against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday. He emphasized the temporary nature of his break, stating,
“I’ve got a little bit of a hip strain so I’ve got a few more days off and during recovery, So I’ve got a little period here where I’m still training, still trying to get myself right. If there is a spot that becomes available, I’ll put my hand up and take it,”
The Washington Freedom roster looks promising with a strong Australian contingent. Joining teammates Steve Smith and Travis Head, Maxwell will be under the guidance of head coach Ricky Ponting. This familiar environment could be a key factor in his successful return to form.
Maxwell expressed his excitement about participating in the MLC, saying,
“It’s a tournament that I watched from afar last year and was extremely excited about hopefully playing this tournament one day and luckily enough the timings have aligned this year.”
While RCB fans might have to wait a little longer to see Maxwell back in action, his participation in the MLC signifies a positive step towards regaining his form.
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