Usman Khawaja Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Veteran Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has made the decision to retire from international cricket following the fifth Ashes test set to begin at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Khawaja, who was the first Muslim to play for Australia, used his retirement announcement as a platform to address the racial stereotyping he faced throughout his career.
The 39-year-old will be playing his final test match, marking his 88th appearance on the field at the same ground where he embarked on his first-class career. Notably, Khawaja achieved his first Ashes century at the SCG in 2018 with a score of 171 against England.
His career saw a resurgence at the SCG at the age of 35, where he scored two centuries against England, leading to an impressive comeback with seven centuries in the following two years.
However, Khawaja’s position faced scrutiny this season due to back spasms that prevented him from opening in the first Ashes test in Perth and subsequently missing the Brisbane test. Despite these challenges, Khawaja’s resilience and skill secured his spot in the Australian team for the fourth test in Melbourne.
Khawaja expressed his feelings of being treated differently due to his Pakistani and Muslim background, citing instances of unfair criticism and racial stereotypes that have plagued his career.
Reflecting on his retirement, Khawaja acknowledged that he had anticipated the conclusion of his cricketing journey and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play for Australia on his own terms.
Throughout his 87 tests, Khawaja amassed 6,206 runs at an average of 43.49, including 16 centuries and 28 half-centuries, making significant contributions to Australian cricket both on and off the field.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg commended Khawaja’s achievements, highlighting his impact as one of Australia’s most stylish and resilient batters, particularly noting his recognition as the ICC test cricketer of the year during Australia’s triumph in the World Test Championship in 2023.
Khawaja, in his parting words, expressed contentment with his career and hoped to have inspired others along the way.
