Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, affectionately known as “The Big Show,” has announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket, bringing an end to a dynamic and often breathtaking 13-year career in the format. The decision, made public today, sees Maxwell prioritize his physical well-being and future commitments, particularly the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026.
Maxwell, 36, confirmed his decision after a conversation with Australia’s chair of selectors, George Bailey, during the recently concluded Champions Trophy 2025 where Australia exited in the semi-finals. He openly admitted that the physical demands of the 50-over format were taking a significant toll on his body, especially in the wake of his horrific leg injury in 2022.
“I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how the body was reacting to the conditions,” Maxwell stated on the ‘Final Word Podcast’. “We talked about the 2027 World Cup, and I said to him, ‘I don’t think I’m going to make that — it’s time to start planning for people in my position to have a crack and make the spot their own.'”
This unselfish approach underscores Maxwell’s commitment to the long-term success of Australian cricket. He stressed that he didn’t want to “hold on for a couple of series and almost play for selfish reasons.” His retirement, alongside recent ODI retirements from Steve Smith and Marcus Stoinis, signals a clear transitional phase for Australia’s white-ball setup as they look towards the next World Cup cycle.
Maxwell’s ODI career has been nothing short of spectacular, punctuated by moments of sheer brilliance and match-winning performances. In 149 ODIs, he amassed 3,990 runs at an average of 33.81 and a staggering strike rate of 126.70, which stands as the second-highest for any batter with over 1000 runs in the format. He registered four centuries and 23 half-centuries.
His most iconic ODI innings undoubtedly came during the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India, where he smashed an unforgettable 201 not out from 128 balls against Afghanistan, battling severe cramps to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. This double century, the first by an Australian in ODIs, solidified his legend and is widely regarded as one of the greatest individual ODI knocks of all time. Beyond his explosive batting, Maxwell was a valuable part-time off-spinner, claiming 77 wickets in his ODI career, and an exceptional fielder, known for his athleticism and game-changing catches.
Having been a crucial member of Australia’s two World Cup-winning campaigns in 2015 and 2023, Maxwell leaves the ODI arena with a glittering legacy. While fans will miss his “Big Show” antics and audacious stroke play in the 50-over format, he remains committed to playing T20 Internationals, with a keen focus on the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, as well as his commitments in various global T20 leagues like the Big Bash League.
As Glenn Maxwell steps away from ODI cricket, the cricketing world acknowledges the immense impact he has had on the format. His innovative style, fearless approach, and ability to turn a game on its head made him a true entertainer and an inspiration to aspiring cricketers worldwide.
