Superstar Glenn Maxwell Bids Farewell to International Cricket

Explosive all-rounder Glenn Maxwell announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday, following the loss of an opportunity to play a farewell match on home soil—a situation that arose as the Australian team prioritized younger players in their T20 squad selection.

Regarded as one of the most talented batters of his generation, Maxwell captivated cricket fans worldwide, featuring in 149 One Day Internationals (ODIs), 130 T20 Internationals, and 7 Test matches.

Known for his rapid run-scoring and unconventional shot-making—earning him the nickname “The Big Show”—Maxwell played a pivotal role in Australia’s victories in the 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cups, as well as the 2021 T20 World Cup. “I have decided to retire completely from international cricket, as well as from the 50-over and red-ball (four-day) domestic matches I play for the state of Victoria,” said the 38-year-old Maxwell, speaking on ‘The Final Word’ podcast released on Tuesday.

“The time has come for me to dedicate more time to my physical health and fitness, so that I can successfully complete the few remaining tournaments in my cricket career.”

Maxwell, who has scored 3,990 runs in One Day Internationals and 2,897 runs in T20 matches, last played for Australia against Oman during the T20 World Cup held in Sri Lanka last February. Maxwell is the only player, alongside India’s Rohit Sharma, to have scored five centuries in Twenty20 International cricket; he has also claimed 128 wickets for Australia in the shorter formats of the game using his spin bowling.

Although Maxwell—who retired from One Day International cricket last year—had hoped to play a farewell international match during this month’s fixture against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, that possibility faded with the announcement of the Australian squad on Monday.

“I had a small hope, or perhaps there had been some discussion, about having a farewell match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. However, I fully understand the direction the selection committee has taken with this squad,” he added.