Usman Khawaja to Retire After Final Ashes Test, Reflects on Career Challenges

Usman Khawaja Announces Retirement from International Cricket

Usman Khawaja, the seasoned Australian batsman, has declared that he will retire from international cricket following the fifth Ashes Test set to commence this Sunday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Khawaja, who made history as the first Muslim to represent Australia, did not hold back during his retirement announcement on Friday, voicing his concerns about the racial stereotyping he faced throughout his career.

This upcoming match will mark the 39-year-old's 88th and final Test, taking place at the venue where he launched his first-class career. Notably, he achieved his first Ashes century at the SCG, scoring 171 against England in 2018.

The SCG also served as the backdrop for a remarkable revival in Khawaja's career at the age of 35, where he scored two centuries against England, leading to an impressive resurgence with seven centuries over the next two years.

However, Khawaja's position faced scrutiny this season after he was unable to open in the first Ashes Test in Perth due to back spasms and subsequently missed the Brisbane Test due to the same injury.

Initially omitted from the Adelaide Test, he returned to the lineup when Steve Smith's vertigo allowed him to play, and an impressive 82 in the first innings secured his spot for the fourth Test in Melbourne. Australia currently leads the series 3-1, having retained the Ashes.

Khawaja expressed that he felt he was treated differently due to his Pakistani and Muslim heritage.

"I’ve been treated differently, and the way things have unfolded has been unique to my background," he stated during a media conference in Sydney. "After my back spasms, the media and former players were quick to criticize me, and I faced relentless scrutiny for about five days straight."

"Once the racial stereotypes emerged, labeling me as lazy, it’s something I’ve encountered throughout my life. Players from Pakistan, the West Indies, and those of color are often seen as selfish, unconcerned about the team, and not training hard enough."

In the lead-up to the Perth match, Khawaja faced backlash for playing golf twice and skipping an optional training session, with some commentators suggesting that his golfing might have contributed to his back issues.

"I can name numerous players who have played golf the day before a match and still got injured, yet no one criticized them," Khawaja remarked to the gathered media.

"There are even more examples of players who have had several drinks the night before a game and then faced injuries, but no one said a word because they were just being typical Aussie larrikins. However, when I got injured, my credibility and character were questioned."

Khawaja acknowledged that he sensed his career was nearing its end.

"As I entered this series, I had a feeling it might be my last. I’m grateful to be able to retire on my own terms," he shared.

Throughout his 87 Tests, Khawaja has amassed 6,206 runs at an average of 43.49, including 16 centuries and 28 half-centuries.

"Usman has made significant contributions to Australian cricket, both through his remarkable achievements as one of our most elegant and resilient batsmen and through his philanthropic efforts with the Usman Khawaja Foundation," stated Todd Greenberg, CEO of Cricket Australia.

"He has been one of Australia’s most dependable opening batsmen, and his success was highlighted when he was named ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in the same season Australia clinched the World Test Championship in 2023."

Khawaja expressed that his primary feeling upon announcing his retirement was one of contentment.

"I feel fortunate to have played so many matches for Australia in the manner that I have. I hope I have inspired others along the way," he concluded.