Punjab Kings’ star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been hit with a fine amounting to 25% of his match fees, in addition to being slapped with a demerit point, for a breach of the IPL Code of Conduct during the match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh.
The incident transpired on Tuesday night, with the IPL releasing a statement that read, ‘Glenn Maxwell admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.2 and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction.’ The league further clarified that ‘For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding.’
Article 2.2 pertains to the ‘abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a match,’ an action which Maxwell is now accountable for.
Despite his contribution with the ball, where he broke the dangerous-looking opening wicket partnership by dismissing CSK opener Rachin Ravindra, Maxwell’s performance with the bat has been under scrutiny. In this particular game, he managed to score just a single run.
Acquired by the Punjab Kings for a hefty sum of Rs 4.2 crore during the IPL auction, the 36-year-old Australian has struggled to find his footing in the tournament. Across four matches, Maxwell has accumulated only 31 runs at a strike rate of 129.17. His efforts with the ball, however, have been more fruitful, claiming three crucial wickets with his off-spin.
This season’s underwhelming performances have drawn criticism from former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, who likened Maxwell’s sporadic success to the rarity of Halley’s Comet. Manjrekar remarked on JioHotstar, ‘Halley’s Comet orbits the sun and is visible from Earth once every 75 years. Just like that, Glenn Maxwell plays one good match in 75 games. It was last seen in 1986, and it will now be spotted in 2061. It’s the same case with Maxwell in batting. Glenn Maxwell is Halley’s Comet of Cricket.’