Glenn Maxwell and Aussie cricket teammate Matt Short have both opted against taking a state contract with Victoria for 2026, with Maxwell prioritising the T20 format and Short moving to the Gold Coast with his young family. Victoria announced its 25-player contracted squad for the 2026/27 season on Tuesday, with Maxwell and Short notable omissions.
Maxwell and Short will continue to represent the state in one-day and Shield cricket whenever available, but have opted against taking an official contract. It comes after they both lost their Cricket Australia contracts when the new list was announced for 2026.
Glenn Maxwell and Matt Short have both opted out of state contracts with Victoria.
Maxwell has retired from ODI cricket and has scaled back his involvement in the red-ball game. The 37-year-old is prioritising T20 cricket in the twilight of his career and hopes to keep representing Australia in the format with a World Cup set to take place in 2027.
Maxwell played just two one-day matches for Victoria at the beginning of last summer. He lost his Cricket Australia contract last month, primarily because the Australian men’s T20 side will only play five T20 internationals during the contract period. It marks the first time in 15 years that Maxwell doesn’t have a state contract with Victoria, while Short has been with Victoria since 2014.
Short now resides on the Gold Coast with wife Madi – an Australian swimming star – and their infant son. He travelled from the Gold Coast to Victoria for four Shield matches and five one-day cup games last season. Short was dropped from Australia’s T20 squad on the eve of last year’s tournament, but remains in contention for a recall.
Matt Short and Glenn Maxwell are prioritising T20 cricket.
(Cricket Australia via Getty Imag)Fergus O’Neill stays put despite interstate interest
Meanwhile, Victoria have re-signed Fergus O’Neill amid interest from NSW and Tasmania, while also inking new deals with Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Elliott and Mitch Perry. Cricket Australia-contracted players Scott Boland and Todd Murphy are also included in Victoria’s state list.
Oliver Peake, Austin Anlezark and Tyler Pearson have all been upgraded to full state contracts. The Vics are hoping to go one better this season after losing the Shield final to South Australia.
“While we didn’t get the ultimate reward last season, it was an impressive summer and one that showed the strength, resilience and character of this playing group,” said Victoria coach David Hussey. “There’s a strong core of experienced players who continue to set the standard, but what’s equally exciting is the young talent coming through our system. Players are earning their opportunities and continuing to push the group forward and represent Victoria with pride.”
Victoria squad 2026/27 season:
Rookie contracts: