Maxwell: 'Will play the IPL until I can't walk anymore'

But the star allrounder is already focusing on adding a second T20 World Cup to Australia’s collection during next year’s tournament in the United States and the West Indies.

After resting for a week since his return home from India, Maxwell will lead the Melbourne Stars in Thursday night’s Big Bash League opener against Brisbane at the Gabba.

The 35-year-old, who will again play for Royal Challengers Bangalore next year, hopes as many Australians as possible get IPL experience ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.

“The IPL will probably be the last tournament I ever play, as I will play the IPL until I can’t walk anymore,” Maxwell said at Melbourne Airport on Wednesday.

“I was talking about how good the IPL has been to me throughout my career; the people I’ve met, the coaches I have played under, the international players that you get to rub shoulders with, how beneficial to my whole career that tournament has been.

“You’re rubbing shoulders with AB [de Villiers] and Virat [Kohli] for two months, talking to them while watching other games. It’s just the greatest learning experience that any player could ask for.

“Hopefully a lot of our Australian players can get over to the IPL and get to work in slightly similar conditions to the West Indies, where it is a little bit drier, it will spin.”

Australia’s white-ball group remain on a high after last month’s stunning ODI World Cup final victory over India. After winning their first T20 World Cup in 2021, Australia were unable to back it up at home when they hosted last year’s edition.

But the men’s national side now have an opportunity to replicate England’s achievement by holding the 20-over and 50-over crowns at the same time.

“As soon as we won this World Cup, we all talked about the refocus towards the next one,” Maxwell said. “I’m hoping it’s going be a really exciting summer for the BBL, with what is just around the corner.

“Hopefully a little bit more importance on putting your name up in the headlines for the right reasons and trying to push for those spots.”

Source: ESPN Crickinfo