Glenn Maxwell extends Melbourne Stars' contract for two more years in BBL

Experienced Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has committed his future to the Melbourne Stars, signing a new deal that will keep him at the club for at least the next two Big Bash League seasons. The contract was finalised just hours before the marquee T20 league's contracting embargo came into effect.

The extension ensures that Maxwell, currently the third-highest run-scorer in Big Bash League history, will continue playing in the competition until just about entering his 40s. For the Stars, the decision represents continuity as they chase an elusive maiden BBL title. Despite being one of the competition’s foundation clubs, Stars remain the only team yet to lift the trophy, having exited at the Knockout stage against Hobart Hurricanes in the most recent season.

Individually, Maxwell had a difficult campaign. He managed just 76 runs across eight innings and picked up two wickets, numbers that fell well short of his usual standards. Even so, his long-term value to the franchise was clear, particularly with rival club Sydney Thunder tabling a lucrative offer in an attempt to lure him away.

“The Melbourne Stars have been a massive part of my cricket career and I'm really passionate about this team having success. I think this current group is building towards something special and I'm confident we're in a place to contend for the title in the next two seasons,” Maxwell said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Melbourne have also secured the services of Campbell Kellaway, extending the left-hander’s contract by at least two more seasons. Kellaway scored 172 runs at an average of 21.50 last season, providing stability at the top of the order. Stars high-performance manager Clint McKay underlined Maxwell’s importance to the club, pointing to both his experience and enduring impact in the shortest format. 

“Glenn has obviously been one of the best T20 players in the world for a long period of time and his commitment to the Stars is really valuable to us. Signing Campbell was just as important as he adds some great stability to our top order. He proved himself at the level this season and I've got no doubt he will make a lot of runs for us for many years to come,” McKay said.

With the contracting embargo set to begin after the evening hours on Tuesday, January 27, the BBL’s official player movement window will run from January 28 to February 5. For the unversed, the window will allow clubs to sign several off-contract players and complete trades ahead of the upcoming season of the elite tournament.