Watch: After Big Pay Day In IPL Auction, Glenn Maxwell Slams 39-Ball 83

Glenn Maxwell was one of the most expensive buys of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 auction on Thursday. Kings XI Punjab bought Glenn Maxwell for a whopping Rs 10.75 crore. Celebrating his return to the Punjab-based franchise, the Australia all-rounder slammed his 31st T20 half-century in a Big Bash League game on Friday. Captaining Melbourne Stars, Maxwell smashed 83 runs off just 39 balls to help his team post a competitive total of 167 for seven in their quota of 20 overs. The 31-year-old entertained the crowd by hitting seven boundaries and five maximums during his stay at the crease.

This was Maxwell's first outing in competitive cricket after he took a mental health break in October.

Kings XI Punjab lauded Maxwell's innings by calling him "BIG SHOW".

"A BIG SHOW from the 'BIG SHOW'. @Gmaxi_32 was at his lethal best as he led from the front for his side in @BBL scoring a breathtaking 83 off just 39 balls," Kings XI Punjab tweeted.

A BIG SHOW from the 'BIG SHOW'! @Gmaxi_32 was at his lethal best as he led from the front for his side in @BBL, scoring a breathtaking off just balls.

: @StarsBBL#SaddaPunjab #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/aCHu7pzjN3

— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) December 20, 2019

83 from 39 balls from @Gmaxi_32 at Metricon Stadium, including seven s and five s @dream11 | #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/6Hhha21YsP

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 20, 2019

Maxwell will be returning to Punjab after a gap of three years, having represented the franchise for three seasons.

Maxwell started his IPL career with Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) in 2012. The all-rounder was bought by Mumbai Indians in 2013.

At the IPL 2020 auction, Australian players attracted huge bids as Pat Cummins became the costliest overseas buy in the history of Indian Premier League.

Mumbai Indians roped in all-rounder Nathan Coulter-Nile in their squad by bidding Rs 8 crore for the 32-year-old.

Topics mentioned in this article

Glenn Maxwell Pat Cummins Nathan Coulter-Nile Cricket Kings XI Punjab