Veteran Australian batter Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from all international cricket, using his farewell press conference to deliver a powerful critique of racial inequality within the sport.
A Career Ends With a Candid Critique
The 39-year-old confirmed that the fifth Ashes Test in his hometown of Sydney will be the final act of his 15-year career wearing the Baggy Green. Speaking for over 45 minutes at the SCG on Friday morning, the Pakistan-born player – Australia's first Muslim Test cricketer – stated he felt "off the leash now" as he addressed long-held grievances about his treatment.
Khawaja, who has scored over 6,000 Test runs in 87 appearances including 16 centuries, insisted that cricket in Australia remains "still very white". He highlighted persistent "racial stereotypes" that he and other players of colour have faced throughout their careers.
"Lazy" Stereotypes and Unequal Scrutiny
He pointed to the recent backlash he received after suffering a back injury during the Ashes series opener against England. Khawaja argued that the media and former players unfairly singled him out, with criticism quickly descending into racial tropes.
"Once the racial stereotypes came in, of me being lazy, it was things I’ve dealt with my whole life," Khawaja said. "Pakistani, West Indian, coloured players…we’re selfish, we only care about ourselves, we don’t care about the team, we don’t train hard enough."
He contrasted this with the treatment of other players, stating: "I can give you even more guys who have had 15 schooners the night before, then got injured, and no one’s said a word. That’s alright, they’re just being Aussie larrikins." For him, this double standard proved that prejudiced attitudes have not been eradicated.
Hoping for an Easier Path for the Next Generation
Khawaja acknowledged that his frank comments might "go down badly with some" and that he would be accused of "playing the race card". However, he expressed a firm desire to smooth the journey for future players from diverse backgrounds.
"I just want the journey for the next Usman Khawaja to be different," he stated. "I’m hoping… we get to a line, however many generations in, where that Usman Khawaja is the same as John Smith."
While recognising that Australia is a more inclusive society than before, Khawaja concluded there is "still a way to go". His retirement marks the end of a significant career, but his final message ensures a conversation about race and representation in Australian sport will continue.
