Glenn Maxwell has called time on his one-day international (ODI) career, concluding a 13-year journey in which he played 149 matches, scored 3990 runs, and claimed 77 wickets. The Australian allrounder, renowned for his audacious strokeplay and handy off-spin, will now focus exclusively on T20 cricket.
Maxwell will still be available for selection for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
Over the course of his ODI career, Maxwell became synonymous with thrilling, game-changing performances, none more memorable than his unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan during the 2023 World Cup. Coming in with Australia in deep trouble at 7-91, he fought through severe cramp and scorching heat to forge a match-winning 202-run partnership with Pat Cummins, leading Australia to victory and ultimately to the final, where they beat India.
Maxwell’s career ODI strike rate of 126 is second only to West Indies’ Andre Russell, and he finishes with four centuries and 23 half-centuries to his name. His time in the Australian setup encompassed two World Cup titles and a reputation as one of the game’s most electrifying white-ball players.
Reflecting on his career, Maxwell said he was “just proud to be playing a couple of games for Australia” at the start, having been selected earlier than expected. “Since then, I’ve seen the highs and lows—being dropped and recalled, playing in World Cups, and being part of some great teams,” he said.
Maxwell cited the physical challenges of ODI cricket and the lingering effects of a serious leg injury as key reasons behind his decision. He discussed it with selection chair George Bailey and concluded that it was time to step aside.
“I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting,” Maxwell shared on the Final Word Podcast. “We talked about the 2027 World Cup, and I said, ‘I don’t think I’m going to make that.’ It’s time to let someone else step up and own that role.”
He also said he didn’t want to stay in the team “for selfish reasons” and wanted to give selectors a clear path forward.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg hailed Maxwell as “one of the most exciting and influential” players in the history of the ODI format. “Glenn’s explosive batting has thrilled fans around the world. Kids have picked up bats because of him, and Australian cricket is grateful for everything he’s given,” Greenberg said.
George Bailey echoed the sentiment, praising Maxwell’s versatility and longevity. “His energy in the field, his under-rated bowling, and his natural talent have made him one of the greats. We’re lucky he’ll continue to play T20 cricket,” he said.
Maxwell will continue to play in the Big Bash League and remain available for international T20 cricket as Australia plans for the 2026 World Cup.
