No More 'Big Show': Glenn Maxwell Announces Retirement From International Cricket, Brings Glorious Career To An End

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career defined by explosive batting, innovative strokeplay and match-winning performances. The 38-year-old made the announcement during an episode of The Final Word podcast released on Tuesday. Maxwell has also decided to step away from domestic 50-over and four-day cricket for Victoria, saying he wants to focus on his fitness and manage his body as he prepares for the remaining tournaments of his career.

Popularly known as 'The Big Show', Maxwell represented Australia in 149 ODIs, 130 T20Is and seven Test matches. He was part of Australia's ODI World Cup-winning campaigns in 2015 and 2023, besides playing a key role in the team's T20 World Cup triumph in 2021. His retirement marks the end of an era for one of Australia's most entertaining limited-overs cricketers, who earned a reputation for producing extraordinary innings under pressure.

Why Did Maxwell Retire?

Announcing his decision, Maxwell said it was time to prioritise his fitness and stay physically prepared for the remaining tournaments of his career.

"I'm going to be announcing my retirement from international cricket and domestic games for Victoria in the 50-over and the four-day stuff, red ball completely," Maxwell said on The Final Word podcast.

Explaining his decision to step away, he added that he needed to invest more time in looking after his body.

"It's probably a time where I probably need to spend a little bit more time investing in the body to make sure I can get through the remaining couple of tournaments I've got in my career," he said.

The Remarkable Career Of Glenn Maxwell

Maxwell enjoyed a successful international career, scoring 3,990 runs in ODIs and 2,897 runs in T20 internationals. He also established himself as a valuable bowling option, claiming 128 wickets across the two shorter formats.

In T20 internationals, Maxwell achieved a rare milestone by scoring five centuries. He shares the record of five T20I hundreds with India's Rohit Sharma, underlining his impact in the shortest format.

His ability to change the course of a match with his unconventional batting, powerful hitting and off-spin bowling made him one of Australia's most valuable limited-overs players.

Maxwell Misses Out On MCG Farewell

Maxwell had retired from ODI cricket last year but reportedly remained hopeful of making one final international appearance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), in front of his home supporters.

However, that opportunity ended after Australia's selectors announced their squad for the upcoming series against England on Monday, with the team management focusing on younger players as part of its short-format plans.

Reflecting on the possibility of a farewell appearance at the iconic venue, Maxwell admitted that he had held a small hope of receiving a final opportunity but respected the selectors' decision.

"There was, I suppose, a small hope or discussion that I might have been able to potentially get a send-off game at the MCG, but I can completely understand the direction they're going with this squad," he said.

Maxwell's final appearance for Australia came against Oman at the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in February. Although his international career has now come to an end, he is keen to preserve his fitness for the remaining tournaments he intends to play.

With two ODI World Cup titles and a T20 World Cup crown to his name, Maxwell leaves behind a significant legacy in Australian cricket, particularly in the limited-overs formats.