Introduction
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs has been a burning question for cricket fans worldwide since the Australian all-rounder made his surprising announcement on June 2, 2025. Known for his explosive batting and game-changing performances, Maxwell stunned the cricketing world by stepping away from the 50-over format at the age of 36. His decision came after a stellar ODI career, highlighted by the iconic 201* off 128 balls against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup—a knock many consider the greatest in ODI history. However, behind the fireworks, Maxwell has been battling physical challenges that led him to prioritize T20 cricket, including the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the reasons behind Maxwell’s retirement, focusing on his body struggles and his strategic shift to T20 cricket. From his own words on the Final Word Podcast about not wanting to “play for selfish reasons” to his recent IPL 2025 stint with Punjab Kings, cut short by a broken finger, we’ll explore how physical strain played a role. We’ll also analyze how his career stats—like a 154.98 T20I strike rate compared to 126.71 in ODIs—support his decision to focus on the shorter format. Whether you’re a cricket fan or a fantasy cricket enthusiast, this piece will uncover Maxwell’s journey and what’s next for the Big Show.
Glenn Maxwell’s ODI Career: A Legacy of Explosive Performances
Glenn Maxwell’s ODI career is nothing short of legendary. Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs Over 149 matches, he established himself as one of Australia’s most dynamic players, contributing to two ODI World Cup victories (2015 and 2023). His career-defining moment came during the 2023 World Cup against Afghanistan, where he smashed an unbeaten 201 off 128 balls, rescuing Australia from a precarious 91/7 to chase down 292. Battling severe cramps in searing heat, Maxwell’s knock included 21 fours and 10 sixes, showcasing his resilience and aggression.
Maxwell’s ODI stats speak volumes about his impact. With a strike rate of 126.71—the second-highest in ODI history behind Andre Russell—he scored 3990 runs at an average of 33.81. His ability to change games extended to his off-spin bowling, where he picked up 77 wickets at an economy of 5.46. However, these performances often came at a cost, as Maxwell’s body struggles in cricket began to surface, particularly during high-pressure games like the 2023 World Cup.
Reflecting on his career, Maxwell said on the Final Word Podcast, “I thought I was just going to have a couple of games for Australia.” Yet, he went on to become a cornerstone of Australia’s ODI success, leaving behind a legacy that inspired fans and young cricketers alike. Below is a snapshot of his ODI career stats:
| Category | ODI Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches | 149 |
| Innings | 136 |
| Runs | 3990 |
| Average | 33.81 |
| Strike Rate | 126.71 |
| Highest Score | 201* |
| Centuries | 4 |
| Fifties | 23 |
| Fours | 382 |
| Sixes | 155 |
| Ducks | 12 |
| Not Out | 18 |
| Wickets | 77 |
| Bowling Average | 47.32 |
| Economy Rate | 5.46 |
| Best Bowling | 4/40 |
The Turning Point: Maxwell’s Body Struggles and Retirement Decision
Understanding Why Glenn Maxwell Retired from ODIs
The primary reason why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs boils down to his ongoing body struggles in cricket. Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs On the Final Word Podcast, Maxwell opened up about his physical challenges, stating, “I felt like I was letting the team down with how my body was reacting to the conditions.” He further explained, “I didn’t want to just hold on for a couple of series and almost play for selfish reasons.” These candid admissions highlight the toll that ODI cricket, with its demanding schedule and physical intensity, took on his body.
Maxwell’s recent IPL 2025 stint with Punjab Kings further exposed his vulnerabilities. A broken finger cut his season short, limiting his contribution to the team and raising concerns about his durability. This injury, combined with past struggles—like the severe cramps during his 201* in 2023—made it clear that his body could no longer handle the rigors of 50-over cricket. At 36, Maxwell recognized that continuing in ODIs might hinder his team’s progress, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon.
In a conversation with selector George Bailey, Maxwell acknowledged his limitations, saying, “I don’t think I am going to make that [2027 World Cup].” This self-awareness led him to step aside, allowing younger players to take his spot. Fans on X echoed this sentiment, with one user noting, “Maxwell’s a warrior who gave his all, but his body couldn’t keep up with his heart.” Another fan wrote, “Smart move—he’s saving himself for T20s where he can still dominate.”
Maxwell’s decision reflects a growing trend among all-rounders, as seen with Marcus Stoinis, who also retired from ODIs earlier in 2025. For Maxwell, the physical demands of ODIs, coupled with his injury setbacks, made retirement the only viable option to prolong his career in a format better suited to his current state.
Shifting Gears: Maxwell’s Focus on T20 Cricket and 2026 World Cup
Maxwell’s T20 World Cup 2026 Ambitions
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs With ODIs behind him, Glenn Maxwell has set his sights on T20 cricket, particularly the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. This shift aligns perfectly with his playing style and physical condition. Cricket Australia confirmed this focus, stating, “Maxwell has made the decision to prioritise his preparation for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, the Big Bash League, and his other global commitments.”
Maxwell’s T20I stats make a compelling case for this transition. In 116 matches, he has scored 2664 runs at a strike rate of 154.98—significantly higher than his ODI strike rate of 126.71. He’s also notched 5 T20I centuries, more than his 4 in ODIs despite playing fewer matches, and taken 43 wickets with his off-spin. Selector George Bailey emphasized Maxwell’s importance, noting, “All things going well, he will be pivotal in the next 12 months as we build toward the World Cup early next year.”
For fantasy cricket players, Maxwell’s T20 focus is a boon. His all-round abilities make him a top pick for IPL 2025 and the 2026 T20 World Cup. In the IPL, he has scored 2819 runs at a strike rate of 155.15 across 141 matches, with 18 fifties and 41 wickets. However, his recent injury—a broken finger in IPL 2025—reminds fantasy players to monitor his recovery closely. A user on X summed it up: “Maxwell in T20s is a cheat code—less strain, more destruction.”
Maxwell’s experience in T20 World Cups, including Australia’s 2021 triumph, positions him as a key player for 2026. His ability to deliver under pressure, as seen in his 145 off 65 balls against Sri Lanka in 2016 (the second-highest T20I score ever), makes him a game-changer. As he prepares for this global event, Maxwell’s focus on T20 cricket ensures he can continue entertaining fans without the physical toll of ODIs.
Comparing ODI and T20: Why T20 Suits Maxwell Better
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs Maxwell’s decision to focus on T20 cricket isn’t just about physical preservation—it’s also about playing to his strengths. A comparison of his ODI and T20I stats reveals why the shorter format is a better fit at this stage of his career.
| Category | ODI | T20I |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 149 | 116 |
| Runs | 3990 | 2664 |
| Strike Rate | 126.71 | 154.98 |
| Average | 33.81 | 29.93 |
| Centuries | 4 | 5 |
| Fifties | 23 | 11 |
| Fours | 382 | 224 |
| Sixes | 155 | 137 |
| Wickets | 77 | 43 |
| Bowling Average | 47.32 | 30.72 |
| Economy Rate | 5.46 | 8.05 |
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs Maxwell’s T20I strike rate of 154.98 dwarfs his ODI strike rate of 126.71, showcasing his ability to dominate in the shorter format. His 5 T20I centuries compared to 4 in ODIs—despite playing 33 fewer matches—highlight his consistency in T20s. Additionally, T20 cricket reduces the physical strain associated with Maxwell’s body struggles in cricket. ODIs often require batting or fielding for 50 overs, which took a toll on Maxwell, as seen during his 2023 World Cup cramps. In contrast, T20s are shorter, with more recovery time between matches in leagues like the IPL and BBL.
Maxwell’s bowling also benefits in T20s, where his economy rate of 8.05 is acceptable given the format’s high-scoring nature, and his 43 wickets show his value as an all-rounder. A fan on X noted, “Maxwell in T20s is a cheat code—less strain, more destruction.” This sentiment reflects why T20 cricket is the ideal stage for Maxwell to continue his career, especially as he prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
What’s Next for Maxwell: IPL 2025, BBL, and Beyond
Maxwell’s Role in IPL 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs Post-ODI retirement, Glenn Maxwell is gearing up for an exciting phase in his career, with a focus on IPL 2025, the Big Bash League (BBL), and the 2026 T20 World Cup. In IPL 2025, Maxwell will return to Punjab Kings, aiming to recover from his broken finger injury and build on his impressive record of 2819 runs at a strike rate of 155.15 across 141 matches. His highest IPL score of 95, along with 18 fifties and 41 wickets, makes him a fan favorite and a top pick for fantasy cricket teams.
For fantasy players on IPL Star, Maxwell’s all-round abilities are a goldmine. He can score quick runs, take crucial wickets, and earn bonus points with his fielding. However, his recent injury history means fantasy managers should keep an eye on his fitness updates. Maxwell’s BBL stint with Melbourne Stars will also be key, where he has consistently performed, leading his team to the final in the 2018-19 season. These leagues serve as perfect preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, where Maxwell aims to add another title to his 2021 T20 World Cup win.
Maxwell’s determination to stay relevant is evident in his own words: “I always said I wasn’t going to hand my position over if I felt like I was still good enough to play.” His focus on T20 cricket ensures he can continue delivering match-winning performances, whether in the IPL, BBL, or on the international stage. For more insights on Maxwell’s IPL journey, check out our article on Top All-Rounders for IPL 2025 Fantasy Teams.
Conclusion
Glenn Maxwell’s decision to retire from ODIs in 2025 was a tough but necessary step, driven by his body struggles in cricket and a strategic shift to T20 cricket. His ODI legacy—3990 runs at a 126.71 strike rate, two World Cup wins, and the unforgettable 201* in 2023—will forever be etched in cricket history. However, at 36, Maxwell’s physical challenges, including a recent broken finger in IPL 2025, made it clear that ODIs were no longer sustainable. By focusing on T20 cricket, including the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, Maxwell is ensuring he can continue to entertain fans without compromising his health.
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs As Maxwell prepares for IPL 2025 with Punjab Kings and the BBL with Melbourne Stars, cricket fans and fantasy players alike have plenty to look forward to. His all-round skills make him a must-have in fantasy teams, though his injury history warrants caution. At IPL Star, we’ll be closely following Maxwell’s journey—join us by checking out related articles like Glenn Maxwell’s 2023 World Cup Highlights and Maxwell’s T20I Career Stats. What’s your favorite Maxwell ODI memory? Share in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions About Glenn Maxwell’s ODI Retirement
1. Why Glenn Maxwell Retired from ODIs in 2025?
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs on June 2, 2025, primarily due to his ongoing body struggles in cricket. He revealed on the Final Word Podcast that he felt he was “letting the team down” with how his body reacted to the demanding conditions of ODI cricket, and he didn’t want to play for “selfish reasons.”
2. What Role Did Maxwell’s Body Struggles Play in His ODI Retirement?
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs Maxwell’s body struggles in cricket were a significant factor in his decision. He faced severe cramps during his iconic 201* in the 2023 World Cup and suffered a broken finger in IPL 2025 with Punjab Kings. These physical challenges made it clear that the 50-over format was too taxing for him at 36.
3. How Will Maxwell’s Retirement Impact His Focus on the T20 World Cup 2026?
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs Maxwell’s retirement allows him to prioritize the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Selector George Bailey noted Maxwell will be “pivotal” for Australia, leveraging his 154.98 T20I strike rate and 43 wickets to aim for another title after the 2021 T20 World Cup win.
4. What Are Glenn Maxwell’s Plans After Retiring from ODIs?
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs Post-ODI retirement, Maxwell is focusing on T20 cricket, including IPL 2025 with Punjab Kings and the BBL with Melbourne Stars. His ultimate goal is to excel in the 2026 T20 World Cup, where his all-round skills are expected to shine for Australia.
5. How Did Glenn Maxwell Perform in His ODI Career?
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs Maxwell played 149 ODIs, scoring 3990 runs at a 126.71 strike rate—the second-highest in ODI history. He hit 4 centuries, including a 201* against Afghanistan in 2023, and took 77 wickets, contributing to Australia’s two ODI World Cup victories (2015, 2023).
6. Why Is T20 Cricket a Better Fit for Maxwell After His ODI Retirement?
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs T20 cricket suits Maxwell’s current physical state and playing style. With a 154.98 T20I strike rate and 5 centuries, the shorter format reduces strain compared to ODIs, allowing him to maximize his impact while managing his body struggles in cricket.
7. How Does Maxwell’s ODI Retirement Affect Fantasy Cricket for IPL 2025?
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs Maxwell’s ODI retirement means more focus on T20s, making him a top fantasy pick for IPL 2025. With 2819 IPL runs and 41 wickets, he’s a valuable all-rounder, though fantasy players should monitor his recovery from a broken finger injury.
8. What Did Glenn Maxwell Say About His Body Struggles on the Podcast?
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs On the Final Word Podcast, Maxwell shared, “I felt like I was letting the team down with how my body was reacting to the conditions.” He also expressed a desire to step aside for younger players, acknowledging his physical limitations.
9. How Does Maxwell’s T20I Strike Rate Compare to His ODI Strike Rate?
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs Maxwell’s T20I strike rate of 154.98 is significantly higher than his ODI strike rate of 126.71. This gap highlights why T20 cricket, including the 2026 T20 World Cup, is a better fit for his aggressive batting style at this career stage.
10. Should I Pick Glenn Maxwell for My Fantasy Team in the 2026 T20 World Cup?
Why Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs Absolutely! Maxwell’s all-round skills make him a must-have for the 2026 T20 World Cup fantasy teams. His 2664 T20I runs, 43 wickets, and experience in big tournaments like the 2021 T20 World Cup make him a game-changer, provided he stays injury-free.