Usman Khawaja, the first Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia, has spoken openly about the racial stereotypes he believes he has faced throughout his career, as he prepares for his final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. In a lengthy press conference on Friday, the 37-year-old reflected on his journey from a Pakistani-born boy told he would never play for Australia to a respected opener with over 5,000 Test runs.
Khawaja cited the start of the Ashes series as a recent example, when his preparation was questioned after he played golf before sustaining back spasms. “The way everyone came at me about my preparation was quite personal,” he said. “These are the same stereotypes – racial stereotypes – I’ve grown up with my whole life.” He referenced being called “lazy” and “selfish”, labels he associates with long-standing prejudice.
Initially a reluctant trailblazer when he debuted in 2011, Khawaja has become more vocal over time. He has previously written about being called a “curry-muncher” at school and the brutish image of Australian cricketers he saw as a child. In 2023, he faced ICC censure for wearing shoes with slogans “All lives are equal” and “Freedom is a human right” in support of Palestinians. “I put myself out there,” he said, adding that this has led to criticism over the past two years.
Despite the challenges, Khawaja acknowledged progress in Australian cricket, saying “we’re a lot better than where we were 15 years ago”. He expressed hope that his career has inspired future generations, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. His first Test boundary, a pull shot off Chris Tremlett in 2011, was a moment of representation for many young fans.
Khawaja will retire after the Sydney Test against Pakistan, ending a career that saw him become one of the world’s best red-ball openers during a stunning 2022 revival. His final press conference ranged from the technicalities of opening the batting to reflections on national unity after the Bondi Beach attack, underscoring his role as a cricketer who transcends sport.
