Melbourne: Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, popularly known as ‘The Big Show’, has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a 14-year career filled with explosive batting, match-winning performances and three World Cup titles.
The 38-year-old announced his decision on Monday during an appearance on The Final Word podcast. He will also step away from four-day and 50-over domestic cricket for Victoria but plans to continue playing T20 franchise cricket, including the Big Bash League (BBL).
Maxwell represented Australia in seven Tests, 149 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 130 T20 Internationals. Across the three formats, he scored 7,226 runs and claimed 136 wickets, establishing himself as one of Australia’s most versatile white-ball cricketers.
Maxwell wanted to continue playing for Australia
Maxwell said his decision followed discussions with Australia’s team management before and after the 2026 T20 World Cup. The door had initially been left open for a possible return, but the team’s focus on introducing younger players influenced his thinking.
He had hoped to feature in Australia’s upcoming T20 international series against England, including a possible farewell appearance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). However, he understood the selectors’ decision to focus on emerging players.
Maxwell said the next 12 to 24 months would bring significant changes as Australia prepare for future international competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games. He felt it was important for younger players to gain exposure to international pressure rather than relying only on domestic T20 experience.
His final appearance for Australia came against Oman during the T20 World Cup in February 2026. He took two wickets for 13 runs in three overs and did not get an opportunity to bat.
A career defined by explosive batting
Maxwell made his ODI debut against Afghanistan in August 2012 and his T20I debut against Pakistan the following month. He made his Test debut against India in Hyderabad in March 2013.
He quickly became known for his unconventional strokeplay, ability to score rapidly and willingness to attempt shots that few other batters would consider.
In ODIs, Maxwell scored 3,990 runs at a strike rate of approximately 126.7, including four centuries and 23 half-centuries. In T20 internationals, he accumulated 2,897 runs at a strike rate above 154, with five centuries and 12 half-centuries.
His five T20I hundreds place him level with India’s Rohit Sharma for the joint-most centuries in men’s T20 international cricket.
Maxwell also contributed with his off-spin, taking 77 wickets in ODIs and 51 in T20 internationals. His fielding added another dimension to his value in Australia’s limited-overs teams.
The unforgettable 201 not out against Afghanistan
The defining moment of Maxwell’s career came during the 2023 ODI World Cup match against Afghanistan at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
Australia were chasing 292 when they collapsed to 91 for seven, leaving the team in serious danger of defeat. Maxwell, however, produced an extraordinary unbeaten 201 from just 128 deliveries.
Battling severe cramps and struggling to move freely, he continued to attack the Afghanistan bowling attack. His innings included 21 fours and 10 sixes.
Maxwell shared an unbroken 202-run partnership with captain Pat Cummins, who contributed an unbeaten 12, to guide Australia to victory with three wickets and 19 balls remaining.
The innings became one of the most celebrated performances in ODI history and the first double-century by an Australian men’s batter in the format.
Australia went on to win the tournament, defeating India in the final. Maxwell’s performance against Afghanistan remains one of the most memorable moments of that World Cup.
Three World Cup titles with Australia
Maxwell was part of Australia’s 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cup-winning teams. He also played a role in the country’s triumph at the 2021 T20 World Cup.
The 2015 title came early in his international career, while the 2023 victory was particularly memorable because of his match-winning innings against Afghanistan.
In addition to his World Cup achievements, Maxwell played several important innings across bilateral series and major tournaments, often changing the direction of matches through aggressive batting.
His ability to contribute in all three departments made him a valuable option for Australia, particularly in limited-overs cricket.
ODI retirement and changing role in Australian cricket
Maxwell had already announced his retirement from ODI cricket in June 2025. His final appearance in the format came against India in the Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai.
He continued to remain available for T20 internationals, leaving open the possibility of representing Australia in the shortest format.
However, he was not included in Australia’s central contract list for the 2026–27 season. He was also left out of the squad for the T20I series against Bangladesh earlier in 2026, as selectors provided opportunities to younger players.
His international retirement now closes the remaining chapter of his career with the Australian national team.
Maxwell to continue playing franchise T20 cricket
Although he is stepping away from international cricket, Maxwell is not retiring from the game altogether.
He is expected to continue playing franchise T20 cricket, including for the Melbourne Stars in Australia’s Big Bash League. His experience and explosive batting remain valuable in the shorter format.
Maxwell is also stepping away from Victoria’s four-day and 50-over domestic teams, bringing his state career in those formats to a close.
For Australian cricket, his retirement marks the departure of a player whose unpredictable batting, athletic fielding and ability to produce extraordinary performances made him a distinctive figure of his generation.
While his international career has ended, Maxwell’s 201 not out against Afghanistan and his contributions to three World Cup-winning campaigns will remain central to his legacy.