Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell announced his retirement from ODI cricket on Monday, June 2. Maxwell revealed that he would no longer play the 50-over format as Australia begins preparations for the 2027 World Cup. However, he has kept himself available for the T20 World Cup, which is set to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. Explaining his decision, Maxwell said he didn’t want to continue just for selfish reasons.
Maxwell, 36, is widely regarded as one of the finest white-ball batters of the modern era. His performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup were instrumental in Australia’s title win under Pat Cummins, especially with two standout innings — against Afghanistan and the Netherlands — that lit up the tournament.
The all-rounder acknowledged the importance of long-term planning and said he didn’t want to linger on for just a few more series.
“I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions,” Maxwell said. “I had a good chat with (Australia chair of selectors) George Bailey and asked him what his thoughts were going forward. We talked about the 2027 World Cup, and I said to him, ‘I don’t think I’m going to make that — it’s time to start planning for others in my position to have a crack and make the spot their own.’ Hopefully, they get enough of a lead-in to really own that role.”
“I always said I wouldn’t give up my place if I felt I was still good enough to play. But I didn’t want to just hang around for a couple of series and play for selfish reasons. They’re moving in a clear direction, and this gives them the best chance to build the right line-up for the next World Cup. I know how important that planning is,” Maxwell added.
Maxwell’s relationship with the Australian setup has been somewhat rocky since the T20 World Cup in 2022. He was pulled up multiple times by the coach and selectors for off-field behaviour. During that time, he also suffered a freak injury — breaking his leg while partying with friends — and in 2024, he collapsed during a concert and had to be hospitalised.
Maxwell retires with 149 ODI appearances, scoring 3,990 runs at an average of 33.81. He notched up four centuries and 23 fifties and was also a valuable part-time off-spinner, taking 77 wickets, including four four-wicket hauls — underlining his ability to deliver key breakthroughs when needed.