Glenn Maxwell, one of Australia’s most explosive white-ball cricketers, has announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs), shifting his focus toward the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka. Cricket Australia confirmed the move, noting that Maxwell will now dedicate his energy to the Big Bash League and other T20 commitments as he transitions out of the 50-over format.
Across his ODI career, Maxwell made a significant impact with both bat and ball. He scored 3,865 runs at an average of 33.81 and a strike rate of 126.70, showcasing his aggressive and game-changing style. His standout performance came in the 2023 World Cup, where he hammered an unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan, widely hailed as one of the greatest innings in ODI history. In addition to that historic knock, he registered three other centuries and 23 half-centuries. Maxwell was also a dependable off spinner, taking four wickets in an innings on four occasions, and proved to be a stellar fielder with 91 catches to his name.
Speaking on The Final Word podcast, Maxwell reflected on his career and early break into the national side. “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,” he said. “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.”
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His final ODI appearance came earlier this year against India during the Champions Trophy. A leg injury ruled him out of the ongoing IPL, and physical limitations played a role in his decision to step away. “I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions,” Maxwell admitted. “I had a good chat with (Chair of Selectors) George Bailey and I asked him what his thoughts were going forward.”
Maxwell also spoke about stepping aside for the next generation. “We talked about the 2027 World Cup and I said to him I don t think I am going to make that. It s time to start planning for people in my position to have a crack at it and make the position their own,” he said. “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.”
Chair of selectors and former teammate George Bailey paid tribute to Maxwell’s contributions. “Glenn will be known as one of the one-day game’s most dynamic players, who had key roles in two ODI World Cup victories. His level of natural talent and skill is remarkable”.
