Star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket after a 13-year career in the 50-over format. The decision, confirmed by Cricket Australia on Monday, allows Maxwell to focus on the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, the Big Bash League, and other franchise commitments.
Cricket Australia’s statement read, “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 made the decision 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.”
Maxwell’s ODI résumé is remarkable: 3,990 runs at an average of 33.81, including a career-best 201* with four centuries and 23 fifties. His off-spin yielded 77 wickets at 47.32, with best figures of 4/40.
Yet perhaps his most legendary performance came against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup. Chasing 293, Australia stumbled to 7/91 before Maxwell battled cramps and searing heat to score 201 off 128 balls. Alongside Pat Cummins’s scratchy 12, Maxwell’s unbeaten innings lifted Australia to an improbable victory and, ultimately, the World Cup title with a win over India in Ahmedabad.
Reflecting on his departure from ODIs, Maxwell said, “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.”
However, Maxwell admitted that his body was no longer keeping pace with ODI demands. “I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions,” he told the Final Word podcast.
After a career-threatening leg injury and a gruelling schedule, Maxwell said his fielding performance dipped, a concern that became apparent during the ICC Champions Trophy. “I had a good chat with [Chair of Selectors] George Bailey, and I asked him what his thoughts were going forward.”
We talked about the 2027 World Cup, and I said to him,
“‘I do not think I am going to make that, it is time to start planning for people in my position to have a crack at it and make the position their own.”
Maxwell insisted he would not relinquish his spot if he still believed he could perform. “I always said I was not going to hand my position over if I felt like I was still good enough to play. I did not 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 gives them the best look at what the line-up is leading into that next World Cup. I know how important that planning is.”
Maxwell’s ODI strike rate of 126 ranks second in history, behind only West Indies hard-hitter Andre Russell. In World Cups alone, he amassed 901 runs in 27 matches at an average of 47.42, struck at over 160, and took 12 wickets. He also owns the record for the fastest World Cup century—40 balls against the Netherlands in 2023 at Delhi.
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Todd Greenberg paid tribute to Maxwell’s “exciting and influential” ODI career. “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,” Greenberg said.
“As with other greats, 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.”
Chair of Selectors George Bailey echoed those sentiments. “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, underrated ability with the ball and longevity have been superb. What else stands out is his passion for and commitment to playing for Australia.”
Bailey added, “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 [T20] World Cup early next year.”
Maxwell’s exit ends a 149-match ODI stint that included two World Cup triumphs (2015 and 2019) and countless highlights. As Australia looks ahead to 2026, the team will rely on Maxwell’s T20 prowess while an emerging generation fills the ODI void he leaves behind.
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