Usman Khawaja, the Pakistani-born Australian Test cricketer, announced his retirement in an emotional press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The 39-year-old will raise his bat for the last time at the fifth and final Ashes Test clash against England, leaving a legacy as Australia’s first Muslim Test cricketer.
“I’m a proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan who was told that he would never play for the Australian cricket team. Look at me now.”
The veteran pointed out the ‘racial stereotyping’ he faced during his 15-year career, citing comments like: “He’s not committed to the team,” or “He’s lazy.”
His remarks have sparked a fresh social media debate about the racial biases in the world of sports.
Khawaja revealed he discussed retirement with coach Andrew McDonald as far back as the 2024 Boxing Day Test against India. “I said to him, if, at any stage right now, if you want me to retire, I will retire straight away.”
During his career, Khawaja amassed over 6,206 runs, averaging 43.39. Though he was dropped during the 2019 Ashes but made a comeback at the SCG in 2022.
While his position recently came under scrutiny due to back spasms, he proved his resilience by returning to the side in Adelaide after Steve Smith was ruled out with vertigo
Khawaja confirmed he will continue to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) and for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield.
His final remarks were: “I just want the journey for the next Usman Khawa to be different.” “I want you to treat him the same, not having racial stereotypes of who they might be.”
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