Glenn Maxwell Bids Farewell to ODIs to Focus on T20 World Cup and Global Leagues

Glenn Maxwell, the mastermind behind one of the greatest ODI innings ever, has announced his immediate retirement from 50-over international cricket.

The 36-year-old will continue playing T20 internationals and is likely to remain active until the next T20 World Cup in 2026.

Physical Strain After Injury Cited as Key Reason

Maxwell revealed his decision during a long-form interview on the Final Word Podcast, explaining that the physical toll of the ODI format has become too much since breaking his leg in 2022.

He experienced pain after games during the recent Champions Trophy, prompting a conversation with Australia’s chair of selectors, George Bailey.

“I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how body was reacting to the conditions,” Maxwell stated.

“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’.”

Leaving on a High, Not Holding On

Maxwell emphasised he didn’t want to cling to his spot without merit. “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 said.

He added that stepping aside now helps the team prepare for the future. “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.”

A Record That Speaks for Itself

Although Maxwell’s career statistics — 3990 runs at 33.81 and 77 wickets at 47.32 from 149 ODIs — may not reflect his full impact, his influence was undeniable.

He made his ODI debut in 2012 with just 14 List A games behind him, but his explosive style quickly became iconic.

Maxwell’s strike-rate of 126.70 is second only to Andre Russell in ODI history. Among players with more than 2000 runs, no one matches his aggression, with a strike rate above 117.

Iconic Innings That Defined a Career

Maxwell will be best remembered for his 201 not out against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup, the first-ever double century by an Australian and the first in a chase. Coming in at No. 6 with Australia at 91 for 7, he guided the team to an improbable win chasing 292.

“I’m extremely fortunate that I was able to have my moment,” Maxwell said. “Everything that you’ve worked hard for… this is the best of me, you can either take it or leave it.”

That same tournament saw him smash the fastest World Cup hundred off 40 balls against the Netherlands. He also registered a 51-ball ton against Sri Lanka in 2015 and hit a crucial century in a chase against England at Old Trafford in 2020.

Clutch Performances and All-Round Contributions

In addition to his centuries, Maxwell delivered under pressure in various key moments.

He scored 32 not out off 15 balls during a record chase in the Champions Trophy, and an unbeaten 44 in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final against Pakistan, where he also claimed two crucial wickets.

His bowling, often underestimated, was vital in both the 2015 and 2023 World Cup campaigns. In the 2023 edition, he bowled 68.3 overs at an economy of 4.81, taking the key wicket of Rohit Sharma in the final.

Maxwell also produced memorable moments like a double-wicket maiden against Pakistan in 2014 to win a match when defending just two runs.

Fielding Excellence and Lasting Impact

Maxwell was also known for his exceptional fielding, often manning crucial positions both in the ring and outfield.

George Bailey praised Maxwell’s overall contribution: “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.”

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg added, “Glenn’s ballistic batting has lit up the cricket world… 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.”

Looking Ahead

Currently recovering from a broken finger sustained during the IPL, Maxwell is expected to return for Major League Cricket in the United States shortly. He is also in contention for Australia’s T20I squad in the Caribbean, starting July 20.

Maxwell’s ODI legacy, filled with explosive batting, key wickets, and electric fielding, will be remembered as one of the most thrilling chapters in Australian cricket.