Maxwell is not in Victoria’s contract (Photo: PTI)
Victoria men’s squad for 2026-27: Two big Australian cricketers have ended their state contracts with Victoria. On May 5, Victoria released its list of 25 contracted players for the 2026-27 season, in which neither Glenn Maxwell nor Matthew Short was included. After staying away from official contracts, both these players will now play the role of freelancers for Victoria. Meaning, whenever he is available, he will continue to represent the state in ODI and Shield cricket. This decision has come at a time when both of them have also lost their Cricket Australia contracts in the announcement of the new list for 2026.
Maxwell out of Victoria’s contract after 15 years
This is the first time in 15 years that Maxwell’s name is not in the list of Victoria’s contracted players. Matthew Short was also in Victoria’s contract list since 2014. Now the question is why did these two cricketers refuse to accept their state contracts? The reason behind this decision of Glenn Maxwell is said to be his preference regarding T20 format. Regarding Matthew Short, it is being said that he backed out of this contract because of his family.
Matthew Short did not take the contract because of family
Matthew Short has shifted to Gold Coast with his family. He lives there with his wife Maddy, who is an Australian swimming star, and their child. Last season, he traveled from Gold Coast to Victoria for 4 Shield matches and 5 ODI Cup matches. But, now since he will not be bound by contract, he will not be forced to do so. Short was dropped from Australia’s T20 team last year, but he remains in contention for a comeback.
Maxwell’s focus on T20 cricket
Maxwell has retired from ODI cricket and has reduced his participation in red-ball cricket. 37 year old Maxwell’s priority now is T20 cricket. In this format, he remains hopeful of his claim to the Australian team.
These players are included in Victoria’s contract list
Meanwhile, Victoria has again included Fergus O’Neill in the list of contracted players. Apart from them, new agreements have been signed with Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Campbell Kelway, Sam Elliot and Mitch Perry. Cricket Australia contracted players Scott Boland and Todd Murphy are also included in Victoria’s state list.
