Glenn Maxwell’s international career may not have ended exactly the way he imagined.

The Australian all-rounder had hoped for one final appearance in the green and gold at his beloved Melbourne Cricket Ground. Instead, the 38-year-old has called time on his international career, while also stepping away from first-class and List A cricket.

He will, however, continue playing franchise T20 cricket.

Maxwell had already retired from ODI cricket in June 2025 but kept the door open for T20 internationals. His final appearance for Australia eventually came against Oman at the 2026 T20 World Cup. He did not bat in that match but took 2-13 with his off-spin.

Why did Maxwell decide to retire?

Speaking on The Final Word podcast, Maxwell revealed that he had several discussions with Australia’s team management before and after the T20 World Cup.

There was no pressure on him to retire. Instead, the door had been left open while Australia assessed its options for upcoming series.

The selectors were increasingly looking towards the next generation, something Maxwell said was evident during Australia’s series in Bangladesh, where several younger players were given opportunities and performed well.

That transition ultimately helped Maxwell realise that the time had come to step aside.

The MCG farewell that never happened

Maxwell admitted he had a small hope of receiving a farewell game at the MCG during Australia’s upcoming white-ball series against England.

But he also understood the direction Australia wanted to take. With the 2028 Olympics approaching, the team is expected to undergo further changes and give younger players exposure to international pressure.

His physical condition also played a role. Maxwell is managing a knee issue and wants to invest more time in rehabilitation so that he can continue playing franchise cricket.

2,897 T20I runs and five centuries

Maxwell finished his T20I career with 2,897 runs from 130 matches at a strike rate of 154.42. He also took 51 wickets.

His five T20I centuries are a joint world record with India’s Rohit Sharma. He retires as Australia’s third-highest run-scorer in T20 internationals.

Maxwell was part of three World Cup-winning Australian sides—winning the 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cups and the 2021 T20 World Cup. He also scored the winning runs in the 2021 T20 World Cup final against New Zealand.

His most iconic individual performance came at the 2023 ODI World Cup against Afghanistan.

With Australia struggling at 91 for seven while chasing 292, Maxwell produced one of the greatest ODI innings ever seen, smashing an unbeaten 201 from 128 balls despite battling severe cramps. He single-handedly dragged Australia over the line.

‘The Big Show’ will continue

Although Maxwell has ended his international and state cricket careers, he is not walking away from cricket completely.

He remains contracted to the Melbourne Stars through the end of the 2027-28 season and will continue to feature in the Big Bash League and other franchise T20 competitions.

There was no fairytale farewell at the MCG.

But Maxwell leaves international cricket after a remarkable 14-year career, with three World Cup titles, more than 7,000 international runs, 136 wickets and countless unforgettable moments.

The international chapter is over.

But for ‘The Big Show’, the show itself is not quite finished.