White-ball stars Glenn Maxwell and Matt Short have opted to become full-time freelancers after losing their Cricket Australia contracts.

The pair were absent from Victoria’s contract list, which was announced on Tuesday morning, as they have chosen to continue representing their state around various T20 commitments across the globe.

Get all the latest cricket news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!

Maxwell was left out of CA contract list as a result of now being a one-format player and the Australian team having a heavy schedule of Test cricket in the year ahead.

The 37-year-old retired from the ODI format following last year’s Champions Trophy semi-final loss to India, but still wants to play T20 international cricket despite a recent dip in form with the bat.

Maxwell scored 99 runs in eight innings, with a highest score of 70, in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League.

While earlier this year he made scores of 9, 31 and 22 during Australia’s group stage exit at the T20 World Cup.

Glenn Maxwell makes his way off after being dismissed during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026 match between Australia and Zimbabwe.Source: Getty Images

Short was culled at the last minute from the Australian squad that went to Sri Lanka for that unsuccessful campaign.

The 30-year-old all-rounder was axed in favour of Matt Renshaw, but is currently with the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

Short has played only two games this season, going wicketless and making scores of 34 and 2.

He has been in-and-out of Australia’s ODI squad due to injury and form in recent years, but Short will continue to push for a place in next year’s World Cup squad.

Despite living full-time on the Gold Coast with his wife, two-time Olympic gold medal winning swimmer, Madi Wilson and their young son, he will play for Victoria when his schedule allows.

Matthew Short celebrates after scoring a half-century (50 runs) during the ICC Champions Trophy between Australia and England.Source: AFP

Short suited up for the Vics in four Sheffield Shield matches and five One Day Cup games last season.

Although the ILT20’s shift to November will likely reduce Short’s state appearances with him set to be in Dubai during a busy period of domestic cricket.

Maxwell is also open to keep playing 50-over cricket for his home state despite being retired from that format at international level.

To prepare for T20I commitments last summer, he featured in two One Day Cup matches, including smashing a century against Queensland.

The Victorian duo are not the first Australians to forgo state deals with Ashton Agar, Marcus Stoinis, Jason Behrendorff, Andrew Tye and Chris Green all making the same call in recent years.

READ MORE

IPL Wrap — Marsh ignites before legend inspires record chase as horror streak continues

‘Tonight hurts’: Marnus’ heartbreak after Aussie star’s career-best masterclass

BBL News — Sixers unveil former Aussie cricket star as new Big Bash coach

Glenn Maxwell celebrates his century during the One Day Cup match between Queensland and Victoria at Allan Border Field.Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, after losing the Sheffield Shield final to back-to-back champions South Australia, Victoria have resisted the urge to hit the panic button.

“We are still reviewing the Shield final, unfortunately we finished on the wrong side of that result,” Cricket Victoria’s head of male cricket David Hussey said.

“The season overall was a huge success, we were clearly the best team throughout the season, we finished on top by a record amount of points which is fantastic.

“It basically tells the story that the program is in reasonably good shape and our coaches are doing some amazing things developing players.

“We unfortunately fell over at the final hurdle, we just need to continue developing our good young Victorian players.

“Hopefully it (a) helps us win One Day and Shield titles, but also (b) allows them to play international cricket for Australia.”

In a big coup for the state, they have retained pace bowling all-rounder Fergus O’Neill despite significant interest from New South Wales and Tasmania.

Fergus O’Neill of Victoria appeals unsuccessfully for the wicket of Nathan McSweeney of South Australia.Source: Getty Images

Inexperienced batters Tom Rogers and Dylan Brasher also opted to stay put despite being courted by other states.

While veteran Peter Handscomb, up-and-coming opener Campbell Kellaway and wicketkeeper batter Sam Harper, who enjoyed a career-best season after moving to the top of the order, were all rewarded with new deals.

Australia’s most recent Under 19 captain Oliver Peake was upgraded from a rookie deal to a full contract.

Hussey praised fellow former international and Victorian coach Chris Rogers for his efforts in retaining the players.

“It probably speaks volumes of the environment Chris and his coaching staff have created,” Hussey said.

“They all want to improve, they all want to be a part of the sustained success that we’re trying to set the male program up for.

“We’re under no illusions that we’re going to lose some players and that we’re going to be a net exporter of talent to other states.

“We’re just hoping that we continue to keep the ones we think are going to go on and play international cricket for Australia.

“Dylan Brasher was highly sought after, Fergus O’Neill, I think every state wanted him.

“For them to re-sign with Victoria is full credit to Chris and the environment he’s created.”

Scott Boland and Todd Murphy are Victoria’s two representatives with Cricket Australia contracts.

Gill punishes Hazlewood and co. | 00:43

Victorian Men’s Squad 2026-27:

Austin Anlezark

Liam Blackford

Scott Boland (CA)

Dylan Brasher

Ashley Chandrasinghe

Harry Dixon

Sam Elliott

Peter Handscomb

Sam Harper

Marcus Harris

Campbell Kellaway

Blake Macdonald

Cam McClure

David Moody

Todd Murphy (CA)

Fergus O’Neill

Oliver Peake

Mitch Perry

Tyler Pearson

Tom Rogers

Will Sutherland

Doug Warren

Rookies

Harry Hoekstra

Tom Paddington

Aryan Sharma