‘One of the one-day game’s most dynamic players retires from ODIs – ‘I was picked ahead of my time and out of the blue’
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell retired from ODI cricket this week.
Maxwell played 149 ODIs from 2012 to 2025. He scored one of the 12 double-centuries in the history of ODI cricket – 201 not out against Afghanistan at the Wankhede Stadium, India, during the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
“I think back to right at the start I was picked ahead of my time and out of the blue. I was just proud just to be playing a couple of games for Australia. I thought I was just going to have that,” said Maxwell.
“Since then, I have been able to go through the up and downs of being dropped, being brought back, playing in a few World Cups and being a part of some great teams.
“I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how body was reacting to the conditions. I had a good chat with chair of selectors George Bailey and I 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 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’. Hopefully they get enough of a lead-in to hang onto that role.
“I always said I wasn’t going to hand my position over if I felt like I was still good enough to play. I didn’t want to just hold on for a couple of series and almost play for selfish reasons.
“They are moving in such a clear direction so this give them the best look at what the line-up is leading into that next World Cup. I know how important that planning is.”
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Maxwell hasn’t formally retired from Test cricket and is still available for T20I selection.
Bailey said: “Glenn will be known as one of the one-day game’s most dynamic players, who had key roles in two ODI World Cup victories.
“His level of natural talent and skill is remarkable. His energy in the field, under-rated ability with the ball and longevity has been superb. What else stands out is his passion for and commitment to playing for Australia.
“Fortunately, he still has much to offer Australia in the T20 format. All things going well he will be pivotal in the next 12 months as we build toward the T20 World Cup early next year.”
Maxwell is currently with the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League.
Cricket Australia chief executive officer Todd Greenberg added: ”Congratulations to Glenn on what has been one of the most exciting and influential one-day international careers in the format’s history.
“Glenn’s ballistic batting has lit up the cricket world and been one of the cornerstones of Australia‘s continued success in the 50-over game, including his heroic role in the 2023 World Cup triumph.
“As with other greats of the game, crowds have flocked to grounds just to watch Glenn bat and children have been inspired to pick up a bat after seeing him put opposition attacks to the sword with a breathtaking array of shots.
“Australian cricket is indebted to Glenn for his ODI exploits and excited that he will now focus on our quest to win the T20 World Cup next year.”
