Australian Test star Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from international cricket, using a poignant press conference at the SCG to deliver a powerful critique of the racial stereotypes and double standards he endured throughout his career.
A Career Ends With a Candid Critique
Khawaja confirmed that next week's fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground will be his final match in the Baggy Green. The 39-year-old will retire as a giant of the game, having played 88 Tests and scoring 6,206 runs, making him Australia's 15th-highest run-scorer in history. He is the only Pakistani-born player and Muslim to represent Australia in Test cricket.
However, the emotional announcement was also a platform for Khawaja to highlight persistent issues within the sport. He pointed to the coverage of his back spasms earlier this summer as a prime example. After playing golf before the Perth Test, he was forced from the field and later ruled out of the Brisbane match, leading to intense criticism.
"I could have copped it for two days, but I copped it for five days straight," Khawaja revealed. "It wasn't even about my performances... The way that everyone came at me about my preparation was quite personal... 'he's not committed, he's selfish, he's lazy'. These are the same racial stereotypes that I've grown up with my whole life."
Double Standards and Speaking Out
Khawaja contrasted the treatment of his injury with that of other players, noting a clear discrepancy. He argued that while other athletes might be seen as "Aussie larrikins" for similar pre-match activities, his commitment and character were immediately questioned.
"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," he stated. "But when I get injured, everyone went at my credibility and who I am as a person."
The veteran opener also believes his outspoken political views, particularly his advocacy for Palestinian rights and his stance against Islamophobia, have made him a target. "I understand that I've talked about certain issues outside cricket which leaves me exposed," he said. "I still find it hard when I say that everyone deserves freedom... and why that's a big issue." He framed his activism as a necessary counter to divisive politics.
A Sydney Send-Off for a Local Hero
The choice of the SCG for his farewell is deeply symbolic. Khawaja moved to Sydney from Islamabad as a five-year-old, made his Test debut at the ground against England in 2011, and famously revived his career there with twin centuries in the 2022 Ashes. His family was present as he made the emotional decision public, shortly after informing his teammates.
With the Ashes series already decided in Australia's favour (3-1), the Sydney Test will now serve as a fitting farewell celebration for one of the nation's most resilient and successful modern batters. His goal, as he stated, is to pave an easier path for "the next Usman Khawaja."
