Australian superstar Steve Smith announced his retirement from the ODI after losing the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against India.
According to a Cricket Australia media release, Smith told his teammates after the semifinal loss that he’ll retire from ODIs immediately. Smith, meanwhile, will continue to be available for Test cricket and T20I.
Smith retired as Australia’s 12th-highest ODI run scorer, with a high score of 164 against New Zealand in 2016. Making his debut as a leg-spinning allrounder, Smith claimed 28 wickets and also took 90 catches.
“It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it. There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight along with the many fantastic teammates who shared the journey. Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup so it feels like the right time to make way”, Smith said.
“Test cricket remains a priority and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies in the winter and then England at home. I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage”, he added.
Steve Smith was part of Australia’s ODI World Cup-winning squads in 2015 and 2023. After Michael Clarke’s retirement, he became Australia’s ODI captain, leading in 64 matches with 32 wins, 28 losses, and four no results.
He took over the captaincy on an interim basis for the Champions Trophy, filling in for Pat Cummins, who was out injured.
Speaking about Smith’s decision, George Bailey, the chair of men’s selectors, said: “We fully understand and support Steve’s decision to retire from One Day International cricket. Steve has said on many occasions he is approaching the remainder of his playing career on a series-by-series basis, a position which hasn’t changed and one Cricket Australia supports.
His record as a batter across 167 games is exemplary and to leave the format as a two-time World Cup winner cements his legacy as one of the great Australian ODI players. From an NSP standpoint, Steve remains fully committed to Test cricket and is an integral member of and leader within that team.”
