Follow UsIn what comes as one of the most shocking retirements in recent times, Marcus Stoinis has announced that he is stepping away from ODI cricket with immediate effect. Astonishingly, Stoinis has withdrawn from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 less than two weeks before the mega event, despite being named in the Kangaroos’ provisional 15-man squad.
The 35-year-old, who represented Durban’s Super Giants in the ongoing edition of the SA20, said in a statement that he will be ‘cheering the boys on in Pakistan’.
"Playing ODI cricket for Australia has been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for every moment I’ve had in the green and gold," Stoinis said.
"Representing my country at the highest level is something I’ll always cherish. This wasn’t an easy decision, but I believe it’s the right time for me to step away from ODIs and fully focus on the next chapter of my career.
"I’ve got a fantastic relationship with Ron (Australia men's team coach Andrew McDonald) and I’ve hugely appreciated his support. I’ll be cheering the boys on in Pakistan."
Head coach Andrew McDonald labelled Stoinis a ‘natural leader’ and an ‘exceptionally popular player’ and congratulated the all-rounder on a fantastic career.
"Stoin has been such a pivotal part of our ODI setup for the past decade," McDonald said.
"Not only has he been an invaluable player but also an incredible person to have in the group. He is a natural leader, an exceptionally popular player and a great person. He should be congratulated on his ODI career and all of his achievements."
Stoinis’ decision brings to an end an ODI career that promised a lot but never quite hit the heights everyone thought it would.
The 35-year-old smashed an unbeaten 146 against New Zealand in just his second ODI, a knock widely regarded as one of the best-ever knocks in a losing cause, but he never crossed three figures in his career ever again.
He ends his career with a batting average of 26.69 to go along with 48 wickets at 43.12 a piece. The all-rounder featured in two ODI World Cups and was part of the Australia squad that emerged victorious in 2023 in India.
Stoinis’ shock retirement means that Australia will have to name yet another replacement. Among those named in the provisional 15-person, there are already major doubts over the participation of both Josh Hazlewood and skipper Pat Cummins, while Mitchell Marsh has already been ruled out.
Pat Cummins © (doubtful), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood (doubtful), Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh (ruled out), Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa