Australian cricket superstar Glenn Maxwell has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable 14-year journey with the national team. The 38-year-old confirmed his decision on November 3, 2026, ending his career as one of the most explosive and unpredictable all-rounders in modern cricket.
The Glenn Maxwell retirement announcement comes ahead of Australia’s upcoming five-match T20I series against England. The veteran batter was not selected for the series, which included a potential farewell opportunity at his home ground, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
However, Maxwell has no intention of walking away from professional cricket completely. He will continue playing franchise T20 competitions, particularly the Big Bash League (BBL), where he remains committed to the Melbourne Stars.
Popularly known as ‘The Big Show’, Maxwell leaves behind a legacy built on extraordinary hitting, innovative strokeplay and performances that regularly changed the course of matches. His incredible 201 not out against Afghanistan at the 2023 ODI World Cup remains one of the greatest innings ever played in international cricket.
Why did Glenn Maxwell retire from international cricket?
Maxwell revealed his retirement decision during an appearance on The Final Word podcast. He explained that discussions about his international future had been ongoing before and after Australia’s 2026 T20 World Cup campaign.
Interestingly, the Australian all-rounder revealed that he had considered making himself available for the England series, particularly because one of the matches will be played at the MCG on November 21.
The possibility of receiving a farewell appearance at his home stadium was something he had thought about. However, Maxwell understood why Australia’s selectors wanted to move towards younger players.
He acknowledged that the national team was entering a period of transition, especially with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approaching.
Maxwell also made it clear that his retirement was not forced by Cricket Australia. Instead, it was a personal decision influenced by his physical condition and the direction in which Australian cricket was moving.
The 38-year-old wants to spend more time looking after his body and preparing for the remaining tournaments in his playing career.
Glenn Maxwell career stats: A look at his international numbers
Maxwell represented Australia in all three international formats, finishing with 286 appearances across Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
His international career included seven Test matches, 149 One-Day Internationals and 130 T20 Internationals.
Here is a look at his batting and bowling numbers:
Batting statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest score | Average | Strike rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 7 | 339 | 104 | 26.07 | 59.47 |
| ODIs | 149 | 3,990 | 201* | 33.81 | 126.70 |
| T20Is | 130 | 2,897 | 145* | 28.97 | 154.42 |
Bowling statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 7 | 8 | 4/127 |
| ODIs | 149 | 77 | 4/40 |
| T20Is | 130 | 51 | 3/10 |
One of the biggest highlights of Maxwell’s T20I career was his five international centuries, a record he shares with former Indian captain Rohit Sharma.
He also finished as Australia’s third-highest run-scorer in T20 internationals, behind David Warner and Aaron Finch.
Glenn Maxwell 201 vs Afghanistan: The innings that defined his career
When discussing Maxwell’s international legacy, his unforgettable performance against Afghanistan at the 2023 ODI World Cup deserves special attention.
Australia were chasing 292 runs at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium when Afghanistan’s bowling attack reduced them to 91/7. The match appeared almost finished, with Australia facing the possibility of a historic defeat.
But Maxwell produced something extraordinary.
Despite suffering from severe cramps and struggling to move freely, the right-handed batter continued attacking the Afghan bowlers. He eventually finished unbeaten on 201 from just 128 deliveries.
His innings included 21 boundaries and 10 sixes, making it one of the most remarkable individual performances in World Cup history.
Maxwell also received valuable support from Pat Cummins, who scored an unbeaten 12. The pair added an unbeaten 202-run partnership for the eighth wicket to guide Australia to victory with three wickets remaining.
The innings made Maxwell the first Australian men’s player to score an ODI double century. More importantly, it kept Australia’s campaign alive before they went on to defeat India in the final and win the 2023 World Cup.
His performance remains a defining moment in Australian cricket history.
Glenn Maxwell Melbourne Stars contract: Will he play BBL 2026?
Yes. Despite announcing his international retirement, Maxwell will continue playing franchise cricket.
The Glenn Maxwell Melbourne Stars contract runs until the end of the 2027-28 BBL season. The franchise confirmed his two-year extension in January 2026, showing its commitment to one of its most important players.
Maxwell has been associated with the Stars since BBL|02 and has become one of the club’s most recognisable names.
His experience, explosive batting and ability to contribute with off-spin bowling make him a valuable player in the shortest format.
The Australian also wants to prioritise his fitness before the upcoming BBL campaign. He revealed that he would undergo around eight weeks of rehabilitation to strengthen his body and manage a knee problem.
For Melbourne Stars supporters, his decision to continue playing is welcome news. The franchise will still have access to his experience as it looks to challenge for its first Big Bash championship.
What next for Glenn Maxwell after retirement?
The Glenn Maxwell retirement news marks the end of an important chapter in Australian cricket, but it does not signal the end of his playing career.
Maxwell has stepped away from international cricket and Victoria’s domestic four-day and 50-over competitions. However, franchise T20 cricket remains part of his plans.
His journey from an unconventional young batter to a three-time World Cup-winning Australian international has been remarkable.
While supporters will miss watching him represent Australia, they can still expect plenty of entertainment whenever he walks out for Melbourne Stars or another franchise.
International cricket has said goodbye to one of its most exciting entertainers. The Big Show, however, is not finished yet.
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