Glenn Maxwell uncertain to play PSL 2026 amid the conflict in the Middle East

The geopolitical scenario is likely to have an effect on the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL). The 11^th edition of the PSL is all set to start from March 26. Ahead of the opening match of the season, the Hyderabad Kimgsmen CEO, Fawad Sarwar, provides a major update.

Sarwar informed that Glenn Maxwell could miss multiple PSL 2026 matches because of the tension in the Middle East countries. Because of the conflicts, the Australian star cricketer can arrive late in Pakistan.

Glenn Maxwell is set to play for Hyderabad Kingsmen in PSL 2026

For the upcoming season, Glenn Maxwell is set to play for one of the two new franchises, Hyderabad Kingsmen. Hyderabad has signed multiple Australian players ahead of their maiden season in the Pakistan Super League.

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Along with the experienced all-rounder, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith is one of the two Aussies in the team. They have secured the services of two former Pakistan head coaches, Jason Gillespie (head coach) and Grant Bradburn (fielding coach), as well to guide the team.

Ahead of the league, Hyderabad Kingsmen announced their decision to assign Marnus Labuschagne as their captain for their first-ever PSL season.

They spent a hefty amount of PKR 58.8 million (US$ 211,000), raising concerns about the team’s strategy as the batter played only four T20s since the start of 2025 and has never captained a T20 side. Labuschagne will make his captaincy debut in the Pakistan Super League.

The PSL 2026 will be amid the conflicts in the Middle East

Conflicts in the Middle East countries remain a constant threat to the overseas cricketers' traveling schedule. Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a sense of assurance, claimed that players would not face difficulties visiting Pakistan. In comparison to the previous seasons, the number of Australian players escalated significantly in this year’s PSL.

Despite the assurance from the board over the players' travel schedules amid the war situation in the Middle East countries and the geopolitical tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the CEO of the league confirmed that Glenn Maxwell will arrive late, and he is expected to miss the entire first part of the tournament as well.

🚨 GREAT NEWS FOR PSL FANS 🚨

- Glenn Maxwell will be partially available for PSL in Pakistan.

- CEO Fawad Sarwar said, "Due to geopolitical situation, Maxwell will Join Hyderabad Kimgsmen in 2nd half and will stay till end of the season."pic.twitter.com/VpZKtRujid

— Salman. (@TsMeSalman) March 22, 2026

“Due to the geopolitical situation, Maxwell will join Hyderabad Kingsmen in 2nd half and will stay till the end of the season,” Fawad Sarwar, the CEO of the team, informed during an online interaction.

Glenn Maxwell was far from his best in the T20 World Cup 2026

Without Glenn Maxwell, Hyderabad Kingsmen will be lacking depth in the team's strength and balance, as Maxwell is not only a batter, but he is also a spinner. Considering the recent form of the 37-year-old, he is far from his pick.

During the 2026 T20 World Cup, the all-rounder, who is mostly known for aggressive batting, failed to deliver when the team needed him the most.

He batted in three innings only to score a total of 62 runs, including a highest score of 31, which he got against Zimbabwe. With the ball, he got only a couple of wickets in three innings. The brace he claimed was against Oman.

Read More: Dasun Shanaka ditches PSL to join IPL