Glenn Maxwell’s international future may be at a crossroads, with former Australia captain Ricky Ponting hinting that the veteran all-rounder could be coming to an end after the T20 World Cup.
Australia’s campaign in the 2026 edition ended in disappointment, with the side collapsing in the group stage and missing out on a place in the Super 8. Naturally, the early exit has sparked fresh debate around Australia’s senior core, with Ponting believing Maxwell may not be part of the next cycle.
Speaking to The ICC Review, Ponting was blunt in his assessment of where Maxwell stands as Australia look ahead.
“Glenn Maxwell, I don’t think he’s going to be there,” Ponting said. “I think it looks like his career is coming to an end.
Australia have one match left in the tournament, a February 20 clash against Oman in Kandy, and Ponting suggested it could have further significance, potentially marking Maxwell’s final World Cup or even the final match of his international career.
However, Ponting expects several others to remain central to Australia’s plans as they rebuild to 2028.
“I think Mitchell Marsh will probably last long enough for (the T20 World Cup in 2028) and I think Travis Head will definitely be there and (Josh) Inglis will be there,” Ponting continued.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup never quite clicked for Australia. The side struggled to find a rhythm and the early exit only sharpened the focus on transition, balance and what the next chapter of their T20 set-up should look like.
What went wrong with Glenn Maxwell?
Maxwell has spent the last decade as one of Australia’s most impressive white-ball players, part of the 2015 and 2023 title-winning teams and a key figure in their success at the 2021 World T20. But as he approaches 37, the returns have started to thin out. He has not crossed a fifty in T20 cricket since August last year and his recent run has been modest, with just 140 runs in his last 12 outings at an average of 15.55 and a strike rate of 113.82.
The days ahead then seem quietly significant. If this tournament turns out to be his last venture in Australian colours, Maxwell will still leave behind a legacy defined by courage, talent and match-winning brilliance. Meanwhile, Australia will have to look forward to the next cycle already starting to take shape.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
February 19, 2026