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With ODI retirement, Glenn Maxwell signals complete exit from international cricket after 2026 T20 World Cup
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on June 2, 2025, 11:57 IST
Australia's flamboyant allrounder Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from One Day Internationals, and in doing so, has hinted at a complete international exit following the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. Maxwell, who played 149 ODIs since his debut in 2012, confirmed that the 2027 ODI World Cup is not in his plans, leaving 2026 as the likely curtain call on his illustrious career.
'The 2027 World Cup feels out of reach,' Maxwell told The Final Word Podcast . 'I think it's time to let someone else make that spot their own. Hopefully they get enough time to do it.'
The 36-year-old has been grappling with lingering physical challenges since his horrific leg injury in 2022, and recently also missed the IPL due to a finger fracture. His body, he admitted, has increasingly struggled to keep up with the demands of 50-over cricket.
During the Champions Trophy earlier this year, Maxwell realised his limitations after a tough outing on wet and rock-hard outfields. 'It felt like I was just surviving out there, not performing. That's not the standard I want to set for the team,' he said.
While he remains available for T20s and continues to feature in Australia's short-format plans, Maxwell's comments suggest he views the 2026 T20 World Cup—set to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka—as his final act on the international stage.
With his ODI retirement, Maxwell joins a growing list of senior Australian players stepping away from the format, including Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, and David Warner. The reigning world champions now face a generational handover with several match-winners bowing out.
Across 149 ODIs, Maxwell amassed 3,990 runs at a staggering strike rate of 126.70—the highest ever among batters with 2,000-plus runs. His tally includes four centuries and 23 fifties, highlighted by an unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup, regarded as one of the greatest knocks in ODI history. He also chipped in with 77 wickets and was renowned for his brilliance in the field.
As one of Australia's most complete limited-overs cricketers, Maxwell's looming full retirement will mark the end of an era—one that lit up cricket with audacious stroke play, electric fielding, and an irreplaceable flair.
Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
