In a significant moment for cricket fans worldwide, Glenn Maxwell, the audacious Australian batting allrounder, has officially announced his retirement from ODI cricket, though he will continue to feature in T20 Internationals. Maxwell, who turned 36 in October last year, concludes a thrilling ODI career that spanned from 2012 to 2025 and left an indelible mark on limited-overs cricket.
Glenn Maxwell Retires from ODIs
Born on October 14, 1988, in Kew, Melbourne, Maxwell added an unorthodox flair and infectious enthusiasm to the game. His capacity for creative innovation in high-pressure situations—be it a reverse sweep or a cheeky pull—made him a bowler’s worst nightmare in white-ball cricket.
Maxwell played for Australia over the years across formats and depicted his all-roundness with bat, ball, and in the field. His right-arm offbreak was a useful breakthrough, and his right-hand batting thrilled fans and turned matches around in Australia’s favour.
A Career of Unforgettable Moments
Maxwell’s global adventure started in 2012, and he soon became famous for his bold attitude. His most iconic innings was in the 2023 ODI World Cup against Afghanistan, where he single-handedly led Australia to a win with an epic 201* off 128 balls—an innings that will always be remembered in World Cup history.
Earlier in life, Maxwell was making headlines with the quickest one-day domestic half-century for Victoria—just 19 balls against Tasmania in 2010-11—setting the tone for his subsequent exploits.
Test cricket saw him, albeit restricted to 7 Tests, register a memorable century in Ranchi against India in 2017, proving that he could also adjust to the demands of the longest version of the game.
IPL and Franchise Dominance
Maxwell’s showmanship wasn’t limited to global cricket. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he impressed with the Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Punjab Kings, making him a name in T20 leagues across the globe. Of particular note was his record-breaking 150+ score in the Big Bash League (BBL) in 2022, which demonstrated his match-winning talent.
Battles On and Off the Field
Maxwell’s career was not without setbacks. He took a brave mental health break in 2019, a genuine action that won the admiration of many in the cricketing fraternity. Rejuvenated, he scored regularly in ODIs in 2020 and performed in franchise cricket around the world.
There was a freak leg injury in late 2022—picking it up at a friend’s birthday party—that temporarily brought his run to an end, but he demonstrated typical toughness in getting back to top-level cricket.
The Numbers Behind the Star
Maxwell’s numbers tell a lot about his contribution to cricket:
ODIs: 149 games, 3990 runs at a strike rate of 126.7, with 4 centuries and 23 half-centuries.
T20Is: 116 games, 2664 runs at a staggering strike rate of 154.97, with 5 century and 11 half-centuries.
Tests: 7 games, 339 runs with 1 century.
In a total of 466 T20s, he scored more than 10,000 runs, proof of his durability and influence.
A Focus on T20I Cricket
With retirement from 50-over cricket, Maxwell intends to direct all his energies towards T20 Internationals and franchise leagues. His attacking stroke play and creative thinking are still perfectly adapted to the breakneck world of T20 cricket, where fans will continue to see his firework display on the international circuit.
A Legacy that Transcends Numbers
Far more than mere figures, Maxwell’s career has been one of breaking barriers and influencing a generation of cricketers. From Victoria to Yorkshire, from Melbourne Stars to Washington Freedom, his involvement in domestic competitions all over the world has established him as a worldwide T20 legend.
Maxwell’s aggressive stroke play and game-breaking ability made him a crowd favorite, and his openness regarding mental illness earned him respect off the pitch.
The End of an ODI Era
In announcing his ODI retirement, Australian cricket says goodbye to a player who never lost in the 50-over game. While concentrating on T20 cricket, Maxwell is likely to keep exciting fans in T20 Internationals as well as international franchise leagues, where his experience and creativity are in high demand.
