Australian all-rounder
Glenn Maxwell has officially retired from One Day International (ODI) cricket after a 13-year career spanning 149 matches, scoring 3,990 runs and taking 77 wickets.
Announcing his decision on the Final Word Podcast, Maxwell cited the
physical toll of the 50-over format and ongoing management of a serious left leg injury sustained in 2022 as key factors. He expressed concern about his ability to maintain top fielding standards and doubted his chances of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
"I didn’t want to just hold on for a couple of series and almost play for selfish reasons," Maxwell said, reflecting on his choice to step away.
Maxwell’s ODI career is highlighted by his iconic unbeaten
201 from 128 balls against Afghanistan during the 2023 Cricket World Cup in Mumbai, a performance widely regarded as one of the greatest ODI innings ever. This innings helped Australia recover from 91/7 to secure a memorable victory.
He was part of two ODI World Cup-winning Australian teams, with his final ODI appearance earlier this year against India.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg praised Maxwell’s contributions, while former captain and current chair of selectors George Bailey called him "one of the one-day game's most dynamic players."
Maxwell’s retirement allows Australia to focus on younger talent like Cameron Green, Tim David, and Ashton Turner as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup. Meanwhile, Maxwell will concentrate on the upcoming
2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
"I think back to right at the start I was picked ahead of my time and out of the blue. I was just proud just to be playing a couple of games for Australia," Maxwell reflected on his career.
His decision marks the end of an era for Australian ODI cricket but signals a strategic shift towards T20 specialization for Maxwell.
Sources: 1
Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has retired from ODI cricket after 149 matches to focus on the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The 36-year-old, known for his unbeaten 201 in the 2023 World Cup, cited physical toll and injury concerns as key reasons for his decision.
