Veteran Pakistani-origin batsman Usman Khawaja, who has played for Australia, announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday (January 2) and spoke openly on issues related to race, identity and freedom of expression in an emotional and extraordinary press conference. Meanwhile, the Pakistan-origin batsman also remembered the increasing ‘Islamophobia’ in Australia along with the issue of Palestine. During this, Khawaja said that he will retire from international cricket after the conclusion of the Ashes series. The series will conclude with the New Year Test starting on January 4 in their hometown.
In the conversation that lasted for about 50 minutes, Khawaja alleged that throughout his career he was looked at differently from other players. He said that sections of the media and some people within the cricket community targeted him because of his identity and his views, especially on right-wing politics and the Palestinian issue.
Khawaja said, “I have always felt a little different. I am a ‘coloured’ cricketer, and the Australian cricket team, in my opinion, is the greatest national team. It is our pride. But the way I was treated and certain incidents that happened, I was made to feel different.”
He mentioned the back spasms he suffered at the start of the current Ashes series, due to which he was unable to open in the first Test in Perth. According to Khawaja, it was a minor but uncontrolled injury, which would have received routine coverage under normal circumstances. However, he said that this time some media reports and comments from former players turned into personal attacks, where his preparation, commitment and character were questioned.
Khawaja said, “It wasn’t about my performance. It became very personal. Being told I wasn’t committed, only thought about myself, played golf, didn’t work hard, these are the same racial stereotypes I’ve struggled with my whole life.” He told that during this period his wife was very angry, while he took it as the experiences he had to endure throughout his life.
Usman Khawaja: “What’s the issue when I talk about Palestinian rights, & Anti Islamophobia in Australia
— I am a Pakistani Muslim, who played for Aus. How can I not talk about IMMIGRATION?AUS gave him 88 Tests, & 40 ODIs. He waves back a MIDDLE FINGER🤡 pic.twitter.com/GqJS432Nfy
— The Analyst (News Updates🗞️) (@Indian_Analyzer) January 2, 2026
He also said that his treatment when injured or absent was different from other players. In Khawaja’s words, “Many times sympathy is shown when others are hurt, but in my case my credibility and my identity were attacked.”
Responding to the criticism he has received for speaking out on political and social issues, Khawaja said that his Islamophobia, anti-immigration rhetoric and his views on Palestinian rights have put him in the dock of critics. The Pakistani-origin cricketer says, “When my faith or identity is attacked, it is personal. So I will speak out.”
Let us tell you that Australia has given Usman Khawaja the opportunity to play 88 Test and 40 ODI matches.
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