Glenn Maxwell retires from One-Day International cricket

Published - 02 Jun 2025, 11:51 IST | Updated - 02 Jun 2025, 11:52 IST

Match-winning Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has retired from one-day international cricket to focus on Australia’s campaign to win the T20 World Cup next year. Maxwell has decided to prioritise his preparation for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, the Big Bash League and his other global commitments.

The explosive batter and often underestimated off-spin bowler played 149 ODI matches for Australia, including what is regarded by many as the greatest one-day innings of all time. Maxwell came in against Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup with his side reeling at 7-91. In a high-pressure situation and battling severe cramps in searing heat, Maxwell took control.  His 202-run partnership with Pat Cummins, who made 12, got Australia to the 293-run target. Maxwell made 201 from just 128 balls.  Australia went on to win the World Cup, beating favourites India in Ahmedabad. Maxwell’s strike rate of 126 is the second highest in ODI cricket, behind only the West Indian heavy hitter Andre Russell, including four hundreds and 23 half-centuries along with 77 wickets. Aside from his feats in Mumbai, Maxwell has played many incredible games across his decorated one-day career, which included two ODI World Cup wins.

“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," says Maxwell.

Maxwell said the physical toll of ODI cricket, on the back of a potentially career-ending leg injury, was beginning to affect his ability to field at his best, which he sensed at the Champion's Trophy, with another two years until the next ICC ODI World Cup.

“I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how body was reacting to the conditions. I had a good chat with (Chair of Selectors) George Bailey and I asked him what his thoughts were going forward,” he told the Final Word Podcast. "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’. Hopefully they get enough of a lead-in to hang onto that role.

“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. They are moving in such a clear direction so this give them the best look at what the line-up is leading into that next World Cup. I know how important that planning is.”

Todd Greenberg, CA Chief Executive, said: “Congratulations to Glenn on what has been one of the most exciting and influential one-day international careers in the format’s history.

“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. As with other greats of the game, crowds have flocked to grounds just to watch Glenn bat and children have been inspired to pick up a bat after seeing him put opposition attacks to the sword with a breathtaking array of shots."Australian Cricket is indebted to Glenn for his ODI exploits and excited that he will now focus on our quest to win the ICC T20 World Cup next year.”

Chair of men’s selectors George Bailey said: “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. His energy in the field, under-rated ability with the ball and longevity has been superb.  What else stands out is his passion for and commitment to playing for Australia. 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.”