Melbourne. In Australia’s domestic cricket, Victoria has announced its men’s team for the 2026-27 season. The biggest decision this time was that experienced all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Matt Short have refused to take state contracts and have chosen the path of playing independently. However, both players will continue to play for Victoria if available.

Victoria team has been performing consistently well for the last few years, but has been falling short of winning the title. In the last five seasons, the team reached the finals four times, but finished runner-up each time. In such a situation, this time the team will enter the field with the aim of winning the title after eight years.

Young players have been promoted in the team. Oliver Peak has been handed his first full contract after his stellar performances, while Austin Enlezark and Tyler Pearson have also been promoted to the senior team. Apart from this, fast bowler Harry Hoekstra has been given a rookie contract. Along with him, Aryan Sharma and Tom Paddington have also been included as new players.

Among the experienced players, Fergus O’Neill has extended his contract with the team. Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper and Campbell Kellaway have also extended their contracts. Fast bowlers Sam Elliott and Mitch Perry have also been awarded new contracts after excellent performances last season.

Glenn Maxwell, who recently retired from One Day International cricket, will now focus on T20 and franchise cricket. At the same time, Matt Short will also be active in international and T20 leagues.

Jay Lemire, Xavier Cron and Callum Stow have been left out of the team, although some players will get a chance to continue practicing with the team.

Cricket Victoria’s head of men’s cricket David Hussey said the team was seeing both stability and growth and the emergence of young players was a positive sign for the team’s future.

Victoria team 2026-27:

Austin Enlezark, Liam Blackford, Scott Boland, Dylan Brasher, Ashley Chandrasinghe, Harry Dixon, Sam Elliott, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Campbell Kellaway, Blake McDonald, Cameron McClure, David Moody, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Oliver Peak, Mitch Perry, Tyler Pearson, Tom Rogers, Will Sutherland, Doug Warren, Harry Hoekstra, Tom Paddington, Aryan Sharma.