Glenn Maxwell Announces Retirement from ODI Cricket to Focus on T20
Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from One Day Internationals to focus on T20 cricket, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. After a successful ODI career, he aims to prioritize his fitness and prepare for upcoming tournaments. Maxwell's decision comes after discussions with Cricket Australia's selectors, highlighting his concerns about his physical condition and the need for the team to plan for the future. Read on to learn more about his career achievements and future aspirations.
| Jun 2, 2025, 13:16 IST
Glenn Maxwell Shifts Focus to T20 Cricket
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has declared his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) to concentrate on T20 formats, particularly with the upcoming 2026 World Cup in mind. His last appearance in the ODI format was during the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, where Australia faced defeat in the semifinals. Over his ODI career, Maxwell participated in 149 matches, accumulating 3,990 runs at an average of 33.81, which includes four centuries and 23 half-centuries.
Maxwell also contributed as a part-time off-spinner, claiming 77 wickets, including four instances of taking four wickets in a single innings, showcasing his ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs for the team. The 36-year-old has decided to prioritize his preparations for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the Big Bash League, and other global commitments. Discussing his decision, Maxwell mentioned that the physical demands of ODI cricket, along with a potentially career-ending foot injury, began to affect his fielding capabilities, a realization he came to during the Champions Trophy.
Read More: IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer Upset with Player, No Handshake - Video
He revealed that he had a conversation with George Bailey, the chairman of selectors for Cricket Australia, informing him that he would not be available for the 2027 ODI World Cup, prompting the board to start planning for the future. Maxwell shared on the Final Word podcast, "I felt like I was letting the team down a bit as my body was responding to the circumstances. I had a good chat with George Bailey and asked him what his thoughts were moving forward. We discussed the 2027 World Cup, and I told him, 'I don’t think I’ll be able to make it, so it’s time to start planning for those in my position.'"
Read More: Rajeev Shukla May Become Acting President of BCCI, Replacing Roger Binny - Know Why
Additionally, he mentioned that he did not want to play in more series for selfish reasons, allowing the team management ample time to find a replacement for the next ODI World Cup. He expressed hope that he would have enough time to maintain that role. "I’ve always said that if I feel I’m still good enough to play, I won’t step aside. I didn’t want to cling to a few series for selfish reasons and not really play. They are moving in such a clear direction, which gives them the best information about the lineup for the next World Cup. I understand how crucial planning is."