Steve Smith may have been left out of Australia’s preliminary squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, but the veteran batter has made it clear that his journey in international T20 cricket is far from over. The former Australia captain has accepted the decision with maturity, while firmly keeping his long-term focus on representing his country at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will return to the global stage.

At 38, Smith is enjoying a rich vein of form in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), yet he admitted his omission from the World Cup plans was not a major surprise. Australia’s selectors have backed younger, established openers, and Smith acknowledged the depth and balance of the current T20 setup.

“I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments, but I think that ship’s sailed,” Steve Smith told ESPNcricinfo. “They’ve got two opening batters who are doing pretty well. I’m relaxed, doing what I can here and having some fun.”

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Importantly, Smith has not ruled out a return to T20 internationals altogether. His primary goal now is the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, a tournament he sees as a unique and motivating opportunity. “My main goal is to get in the team when the Olympics comes around. I’d be keen to do that. That’d be pretty cool. Keep doing what I’m doing and you never know,” he added.

Steven Smith said, “my main goal is to play the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics”. pic.twitter.com/MB6EcIQym3

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 19, 2026

Smith last featured in a T20I for Australia in February 2024 and has since been outstanding in the format, averaging over 51 with a strike rate of 156 — numbers that underline his adaptability to modern T20 demands.

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His BBL 2025–26 campaign has been particularly impressive. After rejoining the Sydney Sixers post-Ashes, Smith has amassed 173 runs in just three matches, including a breathtaking 41-ball century against the Sydney Thunder at the SCG on January 16. His power-hitting has pushed the Sixers firmly into finals contention.

Following the BBL, Smith is set to continue his T20 journey in Major League Cricket in the United States, keeping his Olympic dream very much alive.