June 2, 2025: Australia’s dynamic allrounder Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket, shifting his full focus to winning the T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in India next year. Maxwell retires as one of the finest ODI players, having been an integral part of Australia’s two World Cup-winning campaigns in 2015 and 2023.
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The 36-year-old made his ODI debut in August 2012 and went on to play 149 matches, amassing 3,990 runs at an impressive strike rate of 126.7. Maxwell’s ODI career includes four centuries and 23 fifties. Besides his batting prowess, he was a useful off-spinner, taking 77 wickets with an economy rate of 5.46.
Reflecting on his journey, 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. Since then, I have been able to go through the ups and downs of being dropped and brought back, playing in a few World Cups, and being part of some great teams.”
One of Maxwell’s most memorable ODI moments came during the 2023 World Cup when he fought through severe cramps to rescue Australia from 91/7 and steer them to victory against Afghanistan, scoring an unbeaten 201 off just 128 balls.
Maxwell revealed that the physical toll of ODI cricket and a recurring leg injury affected his performance in recent times. “I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions. I had a good chat with George Bailey (Chair of Selectors) and asked for his thoughts going forward. 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.’ I always said I wouldn’t hand over my spot unless I felt I wasn’t good enough anymore. I didn’t want to hang on for selfish reasons.”
Maxwell expressed confidence in Australia’s future: “They are moving in such a clear direction, and this gives them the best look at what the line-up is heading into the next World Cup. I know how important that planning is.”
George Bailey praised Maxwell’s career, calling him “one of the most dynamic players in ODI cricket” and highlighted his key role in two World Cup triumphs. “His natural talent and skill are remarkable. His energy in the field, underrated bowling ability, and longevity have been superb. What also stands out is his passion and commitment to playing for Australia. Fortunately, he still has much to offer in the T20 format and will be pivotal as we build towards the World Cup early next year.”
With his ODI journey concluded, Maxwell now aims to channel all his experience and energy into making a mark in the upcoming T20 World Cup, continuing to be a vital asset for Australia’s shortest format ambitions.