Maxwell's Shock Return: No Contract, But He's Playing

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-23

Glenn Maxwell is back in Victoria's One-Day Cup squad to face New South Wales, and the timing couldn't be more intriguing. Just five days after captaining the Belfast Wolves in the ETPL final in Dublin, Maxwell lands in Melbourne for Friday's clash. But here's the kicker: he's doing it without a contract. Scott Boland also returns for this historic fixture—the first floodlit match at the newly lit Junction Oval. For Boland, it's a quick tune-up before he flies to South Africa on Sunday to join Australia's Test squad. ### Maxwell's Surprise Return Comes Without a Contract Maxwell retired from ODI cricket in early 2025 and holds no contract with Victoria or Cricket Australia. He was removed from CA's central contract list earlier this year, leaving him only notionally available for T20I selection. Australia have just five T20Is scheduled in the 2026-27 contract year, and Maxwell was left out of the most recent series against Bangladesh in June. Yet here he is, suiting up for Victoria. He'd discussed his availability with the state earlier in the winter, and that conversation turned into a squad spot. This isn't his first One-Day Cup appearance since retiring from ODIs—he played two matches last September, including his maiden List A century for Victoria. > "Maxwell's presence alone lifts the group," said coach Chris Rogers. "He brings experience and a winning mindset that rubs off on everyone." Victoria have four more One-Day Cup fixtures before the BBL: September 25, October 12, October 24, and November 16. Rogers hasn't confirmed if Maxwell will play beyond Friday. ### Boland Set for One Outing Before Joining Test Squad Boland missed Victoria's opening win over Queensland in Brisbane last week. He'll get one hit-out before heading to South Africa. Rogers believes having contracted players like Boland benefits the squad through performance and example. - Boland's single outing provides a boost before Test duty. - His presence sets a standard for younger players. - The match, on the eve of the AFL Grand Final, should draw a strong crowd. ### Victoria Manage a Squad Stretched Across Commitments Victoria are missing several players on national duty: - Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Todd Murphy, and Fergus O'Neill are with Australia A in India. - Ollie Peake is with Australia's ODI squad in South Africa. All except Murphy are expected back for the October 12 match. Murphy stays with Australia A for three one-day fixtures ending October 11. Rogers admitted fitting everyone back in will be tough. He also praised the younger players in the win over Queensland, where Victoria chased down 336 after being 14 for 4. Debutant centuries from Liam Blackford and captain Will Sutherland led the charge. Rogers said the depth shown by uncapped players reflects well on Victoria's program. For more cricket news and updates, visit JeetWin Blog!