Glenn Maxwell retires from ODI cricket, will focus on T20s

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) on Monday, choosing to focus on the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The 36-year-old explained that his decision was driven by his body struggling to cope with the physical demands of the format, and he did not want to continue playing for “selfish reasons.”

Maxwell has been one of Australia’s most explosive batters and a valuable off-spin bowler over his ODI career, representing the nation in 149 matches. One of his most memorable innings came during the 2023 World Cup against Afghanistan, when Australia was in dire trouble at 7 wickets down for 91 runs. Battling severe cramps in extreme heat, Maxwell smashed a breathtaking 201 runs off just 128 balls, turning the match around and securing a remarkable victory for his team. Australia went on to win the World Cup, defeating favorites India in Ahmedabad.

Reflecting on his decision, Maxwell revealed that he had discussed his future with Cricket Australia’s Chair of Selectors George Bailey. “I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions,” he said on the ‘Final Word Podcast’. “We talked about the 2027 World Cup, and I told him I didn’t think I was going to make that. It’s time to start planning for people in my position to have a crack and make the position their own.”

Glenn Maxwell recently returned from an IPL stint with Punjab Kings that was cut short due to a broken finger. He insisted that he never wanted to cling to his spot if he wasn’t able to perform at his best. “I always said I wasn’t going to hand my position over if I felt like I was still good enough to play. I didn’t want to just hold on for a couple of series and almost play for selfish reasons,” he said.

Known for his aggressive batting style, Maxwell holds a strike rate of 126 in ODIs, the second highest in the format behind West Indian powerhouse Andre Russell. Throughout his ODI career, he scored four centuries, 23 half-centuries, and took 77 wickets. Cricket Australia issued a statement confirming Maxwell’s decision, highlighting his focus on preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup, the Big Bash League, and his other global commitments.

Maxwell’s ODI career has been decorated with many incredible performances, including two World Cup wins. His retirement follows that of fellow Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who also stepped away from ODI cricket earlier this year. Reflecting on his journey, Maxwell said, “I think back to right at the start, I was picked ahead of my time and out of the blue. I was just proud to be playing a couple of games for Australia. I thought I was just going to have that. Since then, I have been able to go through the ups and downs of being dropped, being brought back, playing in a few World Cups, and being a part of some great teams.”

Todd Greenberg, CEO of Cricket Australia, praised Maxwell’s remarkable career, saying, “Glenn’s ballistic batting has lit up the cricket world and been one of the cornerstones of Australia’s continued success in the 50-over game, including his heroic role in the 2023 World Cup triumph. Crowds have flocked to grounds just to watch Glenn bat, and children have been inspired to pick up a bat after seeing him dominate opposition attacks with a breathtaking array of shots.”

Former Australia captain and current chief selector George Bailey also spoke highly of Maxwell’s contribution to the team. “Glenn will be known as one of the one-day game’s most dynamic players, with key roles in two ODI World Cup victories. His natural talent and skill are remarkable. Fortunately, he still has much to offer Australia in the T20 format. All things going well, he will be pivotal in the next 12 months as we build toward the World Cup early next year,” Bailey said.

Maxwell’s retirement from ODIs marks the end of a significant chapter in Australian cricket, but his focus remains firmly on continuing to contribute in the shorter format and helping Australia aim for success in the upcoming T20 World Cup.