Glenn Maxwell Announces Retirement from ODI Cricket, Shifts Focus to T20s

Glenn Maxwell, the renowned Australian all-rounder, has announced his retirement from One-Day International cricket, following his exclusion from IPL 2025. With a remarkable ODI career that includes 149 matches, 3,990 runs, and participation in three World Cups, Maxwell is now setting his sights on T20 formats. Cricket Australia has confirmed his decision, emphasizing his commitment to the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. Reflecting on his journey, Maxwell expressed pride in his achievements while acknowledging the challenges he faced. His retirement opens the door for new talent, as he aims to contribute significantly to Australia's T20 plans. Discover more about Maxwell's impactful career and future aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2025, 12:46 IST

Glenn Maxwell Steps Away from One-Day Internationals

The dynamic Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has officially announced his retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket. Following his exclusion from the ongoing IPL 2025, Maxwell has decided to conclude his career in the 50-over format and will now concentrate solely on T20 cricket.

Maxwell's ODI Career Highlights

Throughout his ODI career, Maxwell participated in 149 matches, accumulating a total of 3,990 runs and taking 77 wickets. He represented Australia in three World Cups: 2015, 2019, and 2023.

Cricket Australia Confirms His Retirement

Cricket Australia has officially confirmed Maxwell's retirement from ODIs, stating that he is now focused on preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The announcement also emphasized his intention to dedicate more time to the Big Bash League (BBL) and his international T20 responsibilities.

Maxwell Reflects on His Journey

In reflecting on his career, Maxwell shared how he was selected for the national team unexpectedly. "I was picked probably earlier than expected—completely out of the blue. I was just proud to even play a couple of games for Australia. That alone felt like a dream," he remarked.

Maxwell's journey has been filled with ups and downs, including being dropped and recalled, as well as contributing to championship-winning teams. His last ODI appearance was during the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year against India, but ongoing leg injuries have sidelined him from the current IPL season.

"I started feeling like I was letting the team down a bit, especially with how my body was responding to the demands," he mentioned during an interview on The Final Word podcast. He also discussed his conversation with George Bailey, the Chair of Selectors, where he expressed doubts about participating in the 2027 World Cup, leading him to believe it was time to step aside.

A Thoughtful Decision

"I always told myself that I wouldn’t give up my place unless I truly felt it was time. I didn’t want to hang on just for the sake of it. The team is moving in a clear direction, and this gives them the best chance to shape the lineup ahead of the next World Cup," Maxwell stated.

George Bailey, Maxwell’s former captain and current chair of selectors, praised the all-rounder's significant contributions to Australian cricket, stating, "Glenn will go down as one of the most exciting and influential one-day players we’ve had. He was central to two ODI World Cup wins. His natural talent, energy in the field, underrated bowling, and sheer love for the game made him a standout."

Future in T20 Cricket

Despite his retirement from ODIs, Maxwell's T20 career is far from over. Bailey confirmed that Maxwell will remain a vital part of Australia's T20 strategy, especially with the World Cup approaching.

"Assuming all goes well, Glenn will be a big part of our push toward the 2026 T20 World Cup. He still has so much to offer in the shorter format," Bailey added.