Usman Khawaja Reflects on Career and Retirement Amid Criticism
Khawaja Announces Retirement After Ashes Series
Sydney, Australia - Usman Khawaja has officially announced his retirement from international cricket following the fifth Ashes Test against England. In a recent interview, he discussed the backlash he faced after suffering a back injury at the beginning of the Ashes series, as reported by a sports news outlet.
The seasoned cricketer criticized the "racial stereotypes" that have influenced how he has been perceived compared to his Australian teammates throughout his career.
At 39 years old, Khawaja will conclude his Test career with 87 matches under his belt, amassing 6206 runs, which includes 16 centuries and 28 half-centuries, boasting an average of 43.39 across 157 innings.
During an emotional press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Khawaja confirmed his retirement after a 50-minute address.
He expressed his frustration over the criticism he received for playing golf three days before the Ashes opener in Perth, where he experienced back spasms that prevented him from batting in the second innings.
As the first Muslim cricketer to represent Australia in Test matches, Khawaja shared that he has often felt out of place in the sport.
"I’ve always felt somewhat different, even now. As a cricketer of color, I perceive the Australian cricket team as our pride and joy. However, I have often felt distinct in various ways, particularly in how I have been treated. My back spasms were beyond my control, yet the media and former players relentlessly criticized me for five days, focusing on my preparation rather than my performance," Khawaja stated.
"The scrutiny was intensely personal, with accusations of being uncommitted and selfish for playing golf. These are the same racial stereotypes I have encountered throughout my life. I had hoped that the media and former players had progressed beyond this, but it seems we still have a long way to go, as I have never seen anyone else in the Australian team treated this way," he added.
Khawaja expressed his frustration over the daily criticism he faces, pointing out that other players who have played golf and sustained injuries did not receive similar backlash.
"There’s still a bit of this issue that I have to confront every day, which is incredibly frustrating for me. I can name numerous players who have played golf the day before and got injured without any criticism. Yet, when I get injured, my credibility and character are questioned," he concluded.