Veteran Australian opening batter Usman Khawaja has confirmed he will retire from international cricket following the conclusion of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which begins on Sunday. The 39-year-old did not depart quietly, using his retirement announcement to deliver a powerful critique of the racial stereotyping he endured during his distinguished career.
A Trailblazing Career and a Sydney Farewell
Usman Khawaja, who was the first Muslim to represent Australia in Test cricket, will bow out in his 88th match for his country. The venue holds special significance, as it is where he began his first-class career and where he scored his maiden Ashes century—a magnificent 171 against England in 2018.
His journey featured a remarkable late-career revival. Recalled at the age of 35, he marked his return at the SCG with two centuries against England, sparking a prolific two-year period where he struck seven hundreds. However, his position came under intense scrutiny during the current Ashes series after back spasms ruled him out of the first Test in Perth and the subsequent match in Brisbane.
Confronting Stereotypes and Double Standards
At a media conference in Sydney, Khawaja stated he had always felt treated "a little bit different" due to his Pakistani heritage and Muslim faith. He pointed to the criticism he received for missing the Perth Test as a prime example.
"I had back spasms, it was something I couldn’t control. The way the media and the past players came out and attacked me... I copped it for about five days straight," Khawaja said. "Once the racial stereotypes came in, of me being lazy, it was things I’ve dealt with my whole life. 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 highlighted a stark double standard, referencing how his decision to play golf before the match was blamed for his injury. "I can give you even more examples of guys who have had 15 schooners the night before a game and have then been injured, but no one said a word because they were just being ‘Aussie larrikins.’ But when I get injured, everyone went at my credibility and who I am as a person."
Contentment and a Lasting Legacy
Khawaja, who has scored 6,206 runs at an average of 43.49 with 16 centuries, said his overriding emotion was one of "contentment." He revealed he had an inkling this would be his final series and was glad to depart on his own terms.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg paid tribute, highlighting Khawaja's dual legacy. "Usman has made a huge contribution to Australian cricket both through his outstanding achievements as one of our most stylish and resilient batters... and off field, particularly through the Usman Khawaja Foundation," Greenberg said. He also noted Khawaja was named ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in 2023 when Australia won the World Test Championship.
As Australia heads into the Sydney Test with an unassailable 3-1 series lead, Khawaja's final wish is clear: "I hope I have inspired people along the way."
