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Glenn Maxwell, the master blaster from Australia who
won the World Cup, has stated he will amuse IPL spectators until he “can’t
walk anymore”.
However, the famous all-rounder is already planning to
make it two for Australia in the T20 World Cup, which will take place in the
United States and the West Indies next year.
Maxwell will captain the Melbourne Stars in Thursday
night’s Big Bash League opener against Brisbane at the Gabba, having rested for
a week following his return from India.
In order to prepare for the T20 World Cup in June, the
35-year-old, who will play for Royal Challengers Bangalore once more in the
upcoming season, wants as many Australians as possible to obtain IPL
experience.
“The IPL will probably be the last tournament I
ever play, as I will play the IPL until I can’t walk anymore,” Maxwell
said at Melbourne Airport on Wednesday.
“I was talking about how good the IPL has been to
me throughout my career; the people I’ve met, the coaches I have played under,
the international players that you get to rub shoulders with, how beneficial to
my whole career that tournament has been.
“You’re rubbing shoulders with AB [de Villiers]
and Virat [Kohli] for two months, talking to them while watching other games.
It’s just the greatest learning experience that any player could ask for.
“Hopefully a lot of our Australian players can
get over to the IPL and get to work in slightly similar conditions to the West
Indies, where it is a little bit drier, it will spin.”
Following their thrilling triumph over India in the
ODI World Cup final last month, Australia’s white-ball team is still flying
high. Australia was not able to replicate their 2021 victory at the T20 World
Cup when they hosted the competition the previous year.
However, the men’s national team now has a chance to
emulate England’s feat by simultaneously winning the 20-over and 50-over
titles.
“As soon as we won this World Cup, we all talked
about the refocus towards the next one,” Maxwell said. “I’m hoping
it’s going be a really exciting summer for the BBL, with what is just around
the corner.
“Hopefully a little bit more importance on
putting your name up in the headlines for the right reasons and trying to push
for those spots.”