Maxwell Quits ODIs to Prioritize T20s, Citing Selflessness in Decision

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell revealed that he is retiring from One Day Internationals (ODIs) on Monday, electing to concentrate his efforts on next year's T20 World Cup, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka.

The 36-year-old explained that he did not want to "play for selfish reasons" anymore as his body could not adapt to the requirements of international cricket.

Maxwell, whose explosive batting often took a backseat to his underappreciated off-spin bowling, played 149 ODIs for Australia. Among several of his signature performances, his outing against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup is widely considered one of the greatest one-day innings ever played. Returning at a dodgy 7-91, Maxwell fought through debilitating cramps in sweltering conditions to shell 201 runs off only 128 deliveries, pushing Australia from the edge of defeat to victory. The side then went on to claim the World Cup trophy by defeating favorite India at Ahmedabad.

Looking back, Maxwell confirmed to the Final Word Podcast, "I thought he was letting the team down slightly with the way he was responding to the conditions. I sat down and confirmed with (Select Chair) George Bailey, and I asked him what he thought for the future of it."

He said, "We discussed the World Cup in 2027 and I told him 'I don't think I am going to get that, it's time to begin mapping out for individuals like myself to have a go and own the role themselves'.

Maxwell just returned from an IPL sojourn with Punjab Kings, which was cut short by a fractured finger. He justified his approach, stating, "I always said I wasn't going to give my position away if I thought I was still good enough to play. I didn't want to just hang around for a few series and sort of play for selfish motives."

With a strike rate of 126, Maxwell has the second highest ODI strike rate after West Indies player Andre Russell. In his ODI career, he has got four centuries and 23 half-centuries and has taken 77 wickets.

Cricket Australia released a statement in explanation of Maxwell's decision: "Maxwell has chosen to focus on his preparations for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, the Big Bash League and his other international obligations."

During his illustrious ODI career, Maxwell played a key role in two World Cup victories. His retirement comes after that of teammate Marcus Stoinis, who retired from ODI cricket earlier this year.

Recalling his career, Maxwell added, "I look back at the beginning I was selected before my time and out of the blue. I just wanted to be playing a few games for Australia. I thought I was just going to have that."

He went on to say, "Ever since, I have been able to experience the highs and lows of being dropped, being re-called, playing a few World Cups and being part of some wonderful teams.

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said of Maxwell's career, "Glenn's ballistic batting has illuminated the world of cricket and been one of the pillars of Australia's sustained excellence in the 50-over format, including his heroic contribution to the 2023 World Cup victory.

He went on to say, "Just like with all the other greats of the game, crowds have thronged stadiums simply to see Glenn bat and kids have been inspired to take up a bat after watching him dispatch opposition attacks with a mesmerizing array of shots.

Former Australian captain and present chief selector George Bailey also had nice words to say about Maxwell, stating, "Glenn will be remembered as one of the one-day game's greatest players, who played important roles in two ODI World Cup wins."

Bailey went on to add, "His natural talent and ability are incredible. Thankfully, he has still got a lot of cricket to give to Australia in the T20 format. All being well he will be central to the next 12 months as we lead into the World Cup at the start of next year.