Australian Test cricketer Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from international cricket, while also reflecting on instances of racial discrimination and expressing his disappointment with past treatment by former players and the media.
Speaking at the announcement, Khawaja said, “I have always felt different within the Australian team, even until now, and it was largely because of my background. I consider the Australian cricket team our pride and joy, but I often felt treated differently, faced unique challenges, and experienced a lack of acceptance in various situations.”
The 39-year-old emphasized his pride in his heritage, saying, “I am a proud Muslim from Pakistan. I was told I would never play for Australia. Look at me today—you can achieve it too.”
Khawaja also cited physical challenges, noting that a persistent back strain limited his ability to continue, and he spoke of the additional strain of facing verbal attacks from media and former players. “I could endure two days of it, but I faced almost five days of constant scrutiny,” he said.
Usman Khawaja will play his 88th and final Test match in Sydney, the same ground where he made his Test debut against England 15 years ago. His retirement marks the end of a distinguished international career spanning over a decade and a half.
