Australian cricket star Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from international cricket, closing the curtain on one of the most entertaining and explosive careers in the modern era after being overlooked for Australia’s upcoming Twenty20 series against England.
The 38-year-old all-rounder revealed his decision on Tuesday, bringing an end to a career that spanned more than a decade and featured match-winning performances across all formats of the game.
Maxwell had already retired from One Day International cricket last year but had left the door open for further appearances in the T20 format. However, after discussions with team management and seeing younger players seize their opportunities, he accepted that Australian cricket was moving in a new direction.
“There wasn’t any pressure from team management, and we decided to sort of leave the door open,” Maxwell said.
“There was a couple of series coming up where they were going to look to the future, and we saw that in Bangladesh with guys getting their opportunity and performing really well.”
Maxwell also admitted he had hoped for a farewell appearance at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground against England but understood the selectors’ long-term plans.
“There was a small hope or discussion that I might have been able to potentially get a send-off game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.”
“But I can completely understand the direction they’re going with this squad.”
Widely regarded as one of cricket’s most innovative and destructive batters, Maxwell played 130 T20 Internationals for Australia, scoring 2,897 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 154.42. He retires as Australia’s third-highest run-scorer in T20 internationals behind David Warner and Aaron Finch.
Although his Test career was limited to just seven matches, Maxwell also featured in 149 One Day Internationals, scoring 3,990 runs and producing numerous memorable performances for Australia on the world stage.
The Victorian also announced his retirement from first-class cricket, ending his long association with Victoria. However, fans will still have the opportunity to watch him in domestic T20 action as he continues to represent the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL).
Reflecting on his achievements, Maxwell expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received throughout his career.
“I’m grateful for the time I was able to play for my country.”
“If you had offered me that career when I first walked into the Victoria change rooms in 2009-ish, I would have bitten your hand off.”
Known for his fearless batting, athletic fielding, and ability to change games within a matter of overs, Maxwell leaves international cricket as one of Australia’s most exciting white-ball players and a fan favourite around the world.
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