If you’re a cricket fan (and even if you’re just someone who tunes in during the World Cup), you probably know who Glenn Maxwell is. The Australian all-rounder who can smash 6 s out of the park, take sneaky wickets & pull off wild catches yep, that guy.
Well, he’s just dropped a bombshell. Maxwell is officially retiring from One Day Internationals (ODIs). After 13 years of fireworks and unforgettable performances, the ‘Big Show’ has decided it’s curtain call time in the 50-over format.
But don’t worry, he’s not leaving the cricket world entirely—he’s just shifting his focus to the shorter, snappier, T20 format.
What Made Maxwell Call It Quits on ODIs?
You might be thinking, “Why now?” Great question.
Maxwell, now 36, said it himself—his body just isn’t loving the grind of ODIs anymore. He’s had a few rough patches, including a nasty leg injury in 2022. And honestly, can you blame him? 50 overs is a long haul, especially when you’re expected to do everything from batting like a beast to bowling and fielding.
Here’s what he said in an interview,
“I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions.”
That’s classic Maxwell—always putting the team first. Rather than drag himself (and his team) through more wear and tear, he’s stepping away on his terms.
A Quick Look at Maxwell’s ODI Magic
Before we get too teary-eyed, let’s relive some of his epic moments:
🎯 149 ODIs
🏏 3,990 runs at a strike rate of 126.70 (second-highest EVER for someone with 2,000+ runs)
💣 4 centuries, 23 half-centuries
🌀 77 wickets with that handy off-spin
🏆 2 World Cups—2015 & 2023
Not bad, eh?
And remember that time he smashed 201 not out against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup when Australia was 91 for 7? Yeah, that wasn’t just a game-saver—it was an era-definer. People will be talking about that one for decades.
👉 Visual Idea: A side-by-side comparison of his debut vs. retirement stats with images of a young Maxwell and his latest match.
Reactions from the Cricket World
The love has been pouring in—from fans, teammates, and cricket legends.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg summed it up beautifully:
“Glenn has been one of the most exciting and influential figures in ODI history…”
Fans on Twitter (er…X) are calling it the “end of an era” and “the last of the real entertainers.”
One user even tweeted:
“Maxwell didn’t play cricket. He performed magic with a bat.”
Couldn’t have said it better.
So What’s Next for the ‘Big Show’?
Maxwell isn’t disappearing into the sunset just yet. He’s all in on T20 cricket—for both Australia and leagues like the Big Bash, IPL, and beyond.
And if you’re already dreaming about the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, guess what? So is he.
That means more reverse sweeps, helicopter shots, and post-match laughs. Just not in ODIs.
Real Talk: What We’ll Miss About Maxwell in ODIs
Let’s be honest. Watching Maxwell play was never boring. He made cricket feel like a rock concert. The unpredictability, the energy, the “is he really doing that?” moments—that’s what made him special.
He didn’t just play cricket; he owned it.
And for a lot of us, Maxwell’s innings were the kind of thing you’d stop whatever you were doing to watch. (Guilty as charged. One time I watched his 95-run innings from my phone under the dinner table at a wedding. No regrets.)
Final Over: Wrapping Things Up
Glenn Maxwell walking away from ODI cricket is bittersweet. We’re losing one of the game’s most electric personalities from the 50-over scene, but we’re not losing him altogether.
He gave us highlight reels for a lifetime, and now he’s making space for new chapters—both for himself and for up-and-coming players.
But hey, the T20 party is still on. And if you know Maxwell, you know the best might still be ahead.
Now It’s Your Turn!
What’s your favorite Maxwell moment?
Did his 201-run miracle give you goosebumps? Or was it that cheeky reverse-scoop in the Powerplay?
💬 Drop your memories in the comments below—we’d love to hear your thoughts.
📢 Also, check out these related reads:
- Top 5 Most Iconic Maxwell Innings
- T20 Cricket: Why It’s Maxwell’s True Playground
- Australia’s Changing ODI Lineup: Who’s Next?
Suggested Visuals Throughout the Article:
- Photo Collage – Maxwell celebrating his ODI debut + World Cup wins + his 201* knock.
- Infographic – Comparison of Maxwell’s ODI stats vs other Aussie legends.
- Fan Tweets Highlight Board – Screenshot style visuals with fan reactions.
- Timeline Graphic – Key milestones from 2012 to 2025.
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