Glenn Maxwell is willing to turn out for Victoria in 50-over One-Day Cup matches despite retiring from ODI cricket and holding no state or Cricket Australia contract. Matthew Short has made a similar call, choosing to go contract-free while remaining available to play for Victoria.
Both players lost their CA contracts last month. Maxwell, now purely a T20 player, has no contractual reason to play List A cricket. But reports suggest he has held informal talks with Victoria about making himself available for One-Day Cup matches when his schedule allows. Short, meanwhile, relocated to Queensland with his family last year but impressed Victoria with his commitment during the past summer, regularly commuting interstate to train and play.
Maxwell Keeps the Door Open in Victoria Colors
Maxwell retired from ODI cricket after the 2025 Champions Trophy, but that has not stopped him from lining up in 50-over cricket at the domestic level. He played two One-Day Cup matches for Victoria in September last year and scored his first List A century for the state in one of them, against Queensland. Those games served as preparation for a T20I tour of New Zealand.
At 37, turning 38 in October, Maxwell remains focused on T20 cricket. He still wants to represent Australia in the format, though the road ahead is demanding. He will be 39 by the time of the LA Olympics and 40 at the start of the 2028 T20 World Cup. His willingness to play One-Day Cup cricket, even without a contract, signals that he wants to stay match-fit and connected to state cricket on his own terms.
Short Chooses Flexibility Over a State Deal
Short, 30, is taking the freelance route that a growing number of senior white-ball players have adopted in recent years. Rather than signing a state contract and needing a No Objection Certificate to play franchise cricket abroad, Short stays free to manage his own schedule. The ILT20 is moving to November this year, before the BBL, and without a state contract, Short can play in the UAE during that window without any administrative hurdles.
Short played four Sheffield Shield matches and five One-Day Cup games for Victoria last summer. He missed the Shield final due to his IPL commitment with Chennai Super Kings.
Despite the commute from Queensland, Victoria were happy with his availability and attitude throughout the season. He will remain available for both formats for Victoria next summer.
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Victoria’s Squad Takes Shape for 2026-27
Victoria had few surprises in their contract announcements for the coming season. Fergus O’Neill and Campbell Kellaway were re-signed during the year. Fast bowler Xavier Crone and left-arm wrist spinner Callum Stow lost their contracts but stay connected to the program. Wicketkeeper Jai Lemire has moved to another state seeking more opportunities.
Australian Under-19 representatives Tom Paddington and Aryan Sharma have been added to the rookie list, pointing to Victoria’s focus on developing young talent alongside their experienced core.
The squad for 2026-27 includes Austin Anlezark, Scott Boland, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, Todd Murphy, Will Sutherland, and others, with rookies Paddington and Sharma rounding out the group.
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