After a glittering one-day international career spanning more than a decade, Australia’s flamboyant all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has officially retired from the 50-over format, drawing the curtain on a chapter that has seen breathtaking brilliance, unforgettable innings, and two World Cup titles. Maxwell, who represented Australia in 149 ODIs, has decided to step away from the format to focus his energy on the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, alongside commitments in the Big Bash League and other T20 leagues worldwide.
Known for his explosive batting and underappreciated off-spin, Maxwell leaves behind a legacy defined by audacity and innovation. His ODI career, decorated with four centuries and 23 fifties, is perhaps best remembered for a once-in-a-generation performance in the 2023 World Cup against Afghanistan.
Walking in with Australia at a disastrous 7 for 91 in Mumbai, Maxwell not only battled a fiery Afghan bowling attack but also overcame debilitating cramps in scorching heat. In what is now hailed by many as the greatest ODI innings of all time, he smashed 201* off just 128 balls, single-handedly chasing down 293 with captain Pat Cummins (12*) as his unlikely partner.
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That innings was a microcosm of Maxwell’s career—unpredictable, thrilling, and brilliant. He retires with a strike rate of 126, second only to Andre Russell in ODI history, and has also chipped in with 77 wickets. Beyond the stats, Maxwell brought unmatched entertainment and fearless cricket to Australian ODIs.
Reflecting on his journey, Maxwell acknowledged the toll that the format—and a serious leg injury—had taken on his body. “I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting. It was hard to field at the level I expected of myself,” he told the Final Word Podcast. Conversations with selector George Bailey led to his decision to step aside with two years still to go before the next ODI World Cup.
JUST IN: Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from the 50-over international format effective immediately but will remain available for T20Is pic.twitter.com/nJn4ZMrsMu
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 2, 2025
“I wasn’t going to hold on selfishly. I wanted to step away while still playing well and give someone else the chance to own that role. The team has clarity in their direction, and I want to support that,” he explained. Glenn Maxwell also looked back with pride, recalling how his ODI career began unexpectedly. “I was picked out of the blue. I thought I’d just play a couple of games, but I’ve been lucky to be part of World Cups, incredible teams, and some massive moments,” he said.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg hailed Maxwell’s impact on the game: “Glenn’s ballistic batting lit up stadiums around the world and helped drive our success in the format. His innings in the 2023 World Cup is iconic, and he’s been an inspiration to the next generation.”
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Chair of Selectors George Bailey added, “He’s been a game-changer—dynamic with the bat, reliable with the ball, electric in the field. His natural ability is rare, and his energy has been vital to our success. Thankfully, he’s not done yet, and his focus now shifts to helping Australia conquer the next T20 World Cup.”
As Glenn Maxwell walks away from ODI cricket, he does so as a two-time World Cup winner and one of the most captivating white-ball cricketers of his era. While fans may miss seeing him in the 50-over format, his next chapter in T20s promises more of the madness, magic, and mastery that define the “Big Show.”
