By Zainab Shafiq 
Australian cricket legend Steve Smith has announced his immediate retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs), marking the end of a stellar 50-over career. The decision comes in the wake of Australia’s semi-final loss to India in the Champions Trophy, a tournament in which Smith stood in as captain for the injured Pat Cummins.
Smith, 35, shared the news with his teammates in Dubai, confirming he would not be part of Australia’s 2027 World Cup plans. The experienced batter leaves behind a rich legacy, having played a pivotal role in Australia’s World Cup triumphs in 2015 and 2023.
Reflecting on his ODI journey, Smith expressed gratitude for the memories and achievements.
“It has been an incredible ride, and I have cherished every moment. Winning two World Cups alongside amazing teammates will always be a highlight of my career. Now is the right time to step aside and allow the next generation to prepare for 2027.”
While bidding farewell to the 50-over format, Smith remains committed to Test cricket, with his sights firmly set on upcoming fixtures, including the World Test Championship final, the West Indies tour, and England’s visit to Australia. “Test cricket remains my priority, and I feel I still have much to contribute,” he affirmed.
Steve Smith announces retirement from ODIs, set to partake in 2028 Olympic Games
Despite his absence from Australia’s current T20I setup, Smith has not ruled out a return to the shortest format. He has publicly voiced his aspiration to represent Australia in T20 cricket at the 2028 Olympic Games, should the opportunity arise.
Over the course of 170 ODIs, Smith established himself as one of Australia’s finest batters. With 12 centuries to his name, he sits among the nation’s top run-scorers in the format, alongside legends like Ricky Ponting and David Warner. His performances in the 2015 World Cup were particularly iconic, with five consecutive fifty-plus scores, including a match-winning century in the semi-final against India and an unbeaten knock in the final against New Zealand.
Cricket Australia’s selection panel chair, George Bailey, lauded Smith’s contribution, describing his record as “exemplary” and his status as a two-time World Cup champion as “cementing his place among the greats of Australian ODI cricket.”
With his ODI retirement, Smith is expected to feature more in franchise leagues, including The Hundred, where he is set to play for Welsh Fire later this year. As one chapter closes, another remains wide open for one of modern cricket’s most accomplished players.
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