IPL 2025: Glenn Maxwell, Liam Livingstone Are Here 'On Holiday', India Legend Questions Commitment of Foreign Players

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IPL 2025: In a scathing assessment that has ruffled feathers, Virender Sehwag has openly called out the lack of commitment from certain foreign players in the IPL, targeting Punjab Kings' overseas stars Glenn Maxwell and Liam Livingstone.

Known for his blunt takes, the Indian legend questioned whether these big-name T20 cricketers still have the hunger to perform at the highest level in franchise cricket, especially in a league as competitive as the IPL.

Sehwag didn't hold back in his evaluation. Speaking on Cricbuzz, he said, "Maxwell and Livingstone are not hungry anymore. They are here on a holiday. They are not attached to their team, and don't have the urge to win it for their team. I have played with many foreign players (in IPL), and very few had that spark in them to prove themselves... I can only think of two or three names who will give it their all and want to win the trophy. I don't see that in Maxwell and Livingstone at all. They just talk and leave."

Glenn Maxwell, who has dazzled in Australian colours -- fondly with a sensational double century in the 2023 ODI World Cup -- has failed to replicate that magic consistently in the IPL. His inconsistent returns over the years have made him a polarising figure in the league.

It's telling that Royal Challengers Bangalore opted not to retain him ahead of the 2025 mega auction, despite his explosive potential. At Punjab Kings, the story remains the same-occasional flashes, but no lasting impact.

Liam Livingstone, meanwhile, came into the IPL with a fearsome reputation as a six-hitting machine in the T20 circuit. However, his performances in the IPL have largely been underwhelming, leaving fans waiting in vain for that blockbuster innings he so often delivers in other leagues. According to Sehwag, it isn't a matter of skill, but of intent and accountability.

The former India opener went on to reflect on his time as Delhi Daredevils' captain, contrasting the current crop with players from his era. "David Warner, AB de Villiers and Glenn McGrath were the ones who used to play for the team when I was the captain of Delhi Daredevils.

"McGrath, for instance, used to come and ask me, 'Why are you not playing me? Play me and I will win you matches.' I couldn't play him often because my team combination was such. Otherwise, I had so many players from the West Indies and Sri Lanka, who just came and left."

Virender Sehwag also recalled how the lack of disappointment after critical losses used to frustrate him. "You get to know about their commitment after losing the semifinal or playoffs. Nobody is disappointed about losing, but will ask where the party is. And at the party nobody is talking about how we los,t but happy about the IPL being over. That hurts Indian players, at least it used to hurt m,e and I used to make my feelings apparent to the owner."

As Punjab Kings continue to hit or miss in IPL 2025, Sehwag's words have sparked a larger debate on the commitment levels of overseas players. Whether Maxwell and Livingstone rise to the occasion or let the criticism pass unanswered remains to be seen. But for now, the fire has been lit -- and it's burning bright.