Glenn Maxwell Retires from ODIs, Shifts Focus to T20 World Cup

Australian cricket star Glenn Maxwell has officially retired from One-Day Internationals (ODIs). However, the 36-year-old confirmed he will continue playing T20 cricket, in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Maxwell, affectionately nicknamed "The Big Show" for his explosive style and all-round ability, scored 3,990 runs in ODIs at a blistering strike rate of 126.70, second only to West Indies’ Andre Russell. Alongside his batting, he also contributed with the ball, claiming 77 wickets with his off-spin.

On Monday, Maxwell explained that the physical demands of 50-over cricket had become increasingly difficult to manage. “I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions,” he said.

Following a conversation with national selector George Bailey, Maxwell decided to step aside. “We talked about the 2027 [50-over] 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 stated. “I didn’t want to just hold on for a couple of series and almost play for selfish reasons.”

Maxwell’s last ODI came during Australia’s Champions Trophy semifinal loss to India in March, a match that also marked the end of Steve Smith’s ODI career.

Among his career highlights, Maxwell’s unforgettable 201-run knock against Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup stands out. Battling cramps and intense heat in Mumbai, he steered Australia from 91-7 to victory, forming a 202-run partnership with Pat Cummins.

“He’ll be remembered as one of the one-day game’s most dynamic players,” Bailey said, adding that Maxwell remains a vital part of Australia’s T20 plans heading into the next World Cup.