Glenn Maxwell Bids Adieu to ODI Cricket: In a heartfelt revelation that has stirred the cricketing world, Glenn Maxwell, one of Australia’s most explosive and unorthodox cricketers, has officially retired from One Day Internationals (ODIs). The 36-year-old, who ends his ODI journey with 149 matches, 3990 runs, and two ICC World Cup trophies, announced his decision on the Final Word Podcast, citing the physical demands of the format as his primary reason.
“I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting,” Maxwell admitted. “It’s time to let the next generation take over.”
While the flamboyant all-rounder steps away from ODIs, fans can still expect to see him light up the T20 stage. He remains committed to Australia’s white-ball setup and is eyeing the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026, with selectors and fans alike hopeful of more magic.
A Career That Defied Convention
Maxwell’s ODI career numbers—3990 runs at 33.81 and 77 wickets—only tell part of the story. What made him exceptional wasn’t just how many runs he scored, but how he scored them. With a jaw-dropping strike rate of 126.70, Maxwell is second only to Andre Russell among all ODI cricketers with over 2000 runs. His audacious shot-making, unshakable confidence, and never-say-die spirit made him a game-changer in every sense.
His most iconic moment came during the 2023 World Cup against Afghanistan in Mumbai. With Australia reeling at 91 for 7 while chasing 292, Maxwell single-handedly pulled off a miraculous win with a historic double century—201 not out from number 6, the highest-ever score by a non-opener and the first double-century ever in an ODI chase.
“I’m extremely fortunate that I was able to have my moment,” Maxwell said, reflecting on the innings. “It was everything I’d worked for—this was the best of me.”
A Champion of World Cups
Maxwell has been instrumental in both of Australia’s recent World Cup triumphs—in 2015 and 2023. In 2015, he played as the lone spinner in several matches and took six crucial wickets, including key spells that helped Australia lift the trophy on home soil. In the 2023 edition, he was the second spinner and a calming presence with the ball, conceding just 4.81 runs per over across the tournament in India.
His contributions weren’t just with the bat and ball—he was a livewire in the field, often placed in pressure positions in the ring or patrolling the boundary with agility and intelligence.
Unsung Bowling Heroics
Though often overshadowed by his batting, Maxwell’s bowling provided Australia with strategic breakthroughs. Who can forget his double-wicket maiden in the final over against Pakistan in 2014, successfully defending just two runs?
In the 2023 World Cup final, he snatched the key wicket of Rohit Sharma early, swinging the momentum in Australia’s favor. Moments like these have earned Maxwell a quiet but crucial reputation as a match-winner in more ways than one.
Farewell, But Not Goodbye
George Bailey, Australia’s chairman of selectors, praised Maxwell’s invaluable contributions: “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.”
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg echoed the sentiment, stating, “Crowds have flocked to watch Glenn bat, and children have been inspired to pick up the sport after watching him in action. Australian cricket is indebted to Glenn for his ODI exploits.”
Maxwell’s final ODI appearance came during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where Australia bowed out in the semi-finals. Despite soreness post-games and lingering effects from a broken leg in 2022, Maxwell continued to serve his team until he felt the time was right to step aside.
Now, with a broken finger healing from the recent IPL season, Maxwell is expected to return to competitive cricket in less than two weeks during Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States. He is also in line for selection in Australia’s T20I squad for the upcoming five-match Caribbean tour, which begins July 20.
Legacy of a Trailblazer
Maxwell may not have ended with statistical milestones comparable to some of his peers, but in terms of impact, charisma, and game-defining moments, few come close. He brought unpredictability to a game often steeped in tradition and reshaped how modern middle-order batters approach pressure chases.
His retirement from ODIs marks the end of an era for Australia—one that celebrated fearless cricket, impossible shots, and unforgettable innings. But with the T20 World Cup just around the corner, the ‘Big Show’ still has a few encores left.
