Glenn Maxwell Retires From International Cricket After 15-Year Career
Glenn Maxwell retires from international cricket after 15 years, ending his Australia career while continuing to play franchise T20 cricket.
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 38. He has also decided to end his first-class and List A careers, bringing an end to a 15-year journey with Australian cricket.
Maxwell will continue playing franchise T20 cricket and remains available for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL). His contract with the franchise runs through the 2027-28 season.
Maxwell had retired from ODI cricket in June 2025 but continued playing T20Is for Australia. His final international appearance came against Oman during the T20 World Cup group stage in February 2026.
The explosive batter was part of Australia’s 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cup-winning teams. He also played a role in Australia’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2021, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous players in white-ball cricket.
Maxwell Explains His Decision
Maxwell said he had several discussions with Australia’s team management before and after the T20 World Cup. Both sides agreed to keep the decision open while the team looked at its options for the future.
“We probably had numerous discussions before and after the T20 World Cup. There wasn’t any pressure from that side, and we decided to sort of leave the door open,” Maxwell said.
He also admitted that he had hoped to get a farewell match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). However, he understands Australia’s plans to give younger players more chances ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.
“There’s going to be a lot of change over the next 12 to 24 months with the Olympics coming up, and they’ve got to make sure that they get their eyeballs on a few young guys coming through,” he said.
Maxwell Focuses on Fitness and Franchise Cricket
Maxwell has decided against trying to get fit for Australia’s upcoming white-ball series against England in Melbourne. Instead, he will undergo eight weeks of rehabilitation and receive a knee injection as he works towards full fitness for the next BBL season.
His decision also marks the end of his time with Victoria. After playing his final two One-Day Cup matches for the state, Maxwell became emotional while telling his teammates that he would not return to play for them.
“Speaking to my teammates and letting them know that that was going to be my last game for the state was probably harder than I thought it was going to be,” he said.
Maxwell recently led the Belfast Wolves to the European T20 Premier League final in September, showing that he still has plenty to offer in franchise cricket.
His retirement closes a memorable chapter in Australian cricket. Known for his explosive batting, clever off-spin and ability to change a match in a few overs, Maxwell leaves international cricket as one of the most entertaining players of his generation.
