Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell on Monday (June 2) announced his retirement from ODIs with immediate effect, but will remain available in the shortest format of the game with sights on 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The 36-year-old, known for his big-hitting abilities, followed the footsteps of teammate Steve Smith, who had hung up his boots from ODIs following Australia's semifinal exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Maxwell's confirmed his retirement on the Final Word Podcast. “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 George Bailey (Cricket Australia chairman of selectors) and I asked him what his thoughts were going forward,” Maxwell said.
"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,” he added.
"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," he continued.
While Glenn Maxwell hasn't formally retired from the longest format, he is unlikely to be selected in Australia's Test squad again. His last appearance in whites came way back in 2017.
Maxwell retires with 149 appearances in the ODI format, where he scored 3990 runs at an average of 33.81, including four hundreds and 23 half-centuries.
Maxwell was also handy as a part-time off-spinner as his 77 scalps, including 4 four-wicket hauls, are a testament to his ability to provide crucial breakthroughs for the team. He played a key role in Australia's ODI World Cup triumphs in 2015 and 2019.
