Steve Smith announces ODI retirement after ICC Champions Trophy exit

Australian cricketing great Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) following Australia's semi-final defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Smith, who was Australia's top scorer in the crucial match, has decided to bring his illustrious ODI career to an end but will continue representing his country in Test and T20 cricket.

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The 35-year-old’s decision marks the conclusion of a distinguished ODI journey, during which he established himself as one of Australia’s most dependable batters. Renowned for his unorthodox technique and remarkable consistency, Smith has been a pillar of the Australian middle order for over a decade, contributing significantly to the team’s successes, including their 2015 World Cup triumph.

Despite the heartbreak of the semi-final loss, Smith remains committed to Australian cricket. He has expressed his ambition to play a key role in the T20 format, particularly with the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, where cricket will make its return to the Games.

Smith’s retirement signals the end of an era for Australian ODI cricket, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, resilience, and prolific run-scoring. While fans will no longer see him in the 50-over format, his impact on the game will endure, and his focus now shifts to excelling in red-ball and T20 cricket.