Royal Challengers Bangalore will not have the services of their star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell for the crunch IPL 2022 contest against table-toppers Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Despite joining the camp after completing the mandatory quarantine period, Maxwell will not be available for selection for RCB.

Director of Cricket Mike Hesson confirmed on the eve of RCB’s big-ticket contest that the franchise was well aware of Maxwell’s availability. Hesson also pointed out that Cricket Australia’s clause doesn’t allow contracted players to start playing in IPL 2022 until April 6 regardless of when they join the respective teams.

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Notably, Australia complete their tour of Pakistan on April 5 and the players, who are part of the limited-overs series in Lahore, will head to India to join their respective IPL franchises.

Maxwell was not part of the Australia squad in Pakistan, but the contracted player has to wait until April 6 to make his first appearance for RCB in IPL 2022.

“It’s pretty clear from Cricket Australia’s point of view that no contracted players are available before the 6th of April. So, regardless of when they arrive here, they can’t play before the 6th of April. We have been well aware of that as every other side. We have planned for that. Maxi will be with us and available from the 9th,” Mike Hesson said in a video shared by RCB.

Maxwell began quarantine in Mumbai on Friday after missing the first two matches of IPL 2022. The Australian cricketer had his traditional Indian wedding with long-time girlfriend Vini Raman in Chennai last week. Notably, the two tied the knot at a private affair earlier this month in Australia before heading down to Chennai.

In Maxwell’s absence, RCB lost their opening match to Punjab Kings but fought back to beat Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday. The former finalists played Faf du Plessis (Captain), Wanindu Hasaranga, David Willey and Sherfane Rutherford as their 4 overseas players.

RCB against ex-RCBians

Meanwhile, head coach Mike Hesson said RCB is looking forward to facing their former players, Yuzveendra Chahal, Devdutt Padikkal and Navdeep Saini who moved to the Royals ahead of IPL 2022.

Chahal was an integral member of RCB over the years but the leg-spinner was not retained by the franchise. The Royals secured the services of the India leg-spinner, who has been in fine form for his new franchise.

I think it probably helps both parties. They know a lot about us, we know a lot about them. It’s just down to how well people deal with pressure. We are looking forward to taking them on and putting one across them as well,” Hesson added.