Usman Khawaja of Australia bats during day two of the fourth test in the 2025/26 Ashes series between Australia and England at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 27. Photo / Getty Images
Usman Khawaja of Australia bats during day two of the fourth test in the 2025/26 Ashes series between Australia and England at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 27. Photo / Getty Images
Usman Khawaja has said he will retire from international cricket after the fifth and final Ashes clash against England, leaving a legacy as Australia’s first Muslim Test cricketer while lashing out at perceived “racial stereotyping” during his 15-year career.
The 39-year-old will pad up for the last time, should hebe selected, when the clash against England gets underway on Sunday, ending months of speculation about his future.
It will be the 88th test for the classy left-hander, culminating his test career where it began after making his debut at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in 2011, also against England.
“The number one emotion is contentment. I’m very lucky to have played so many games for Australia the way I have,” Khawaja said. “I hope I have inspired people along the way.
“I’m a proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan who was told that he would never play for the Australian cricket team. Look at me now, and you can do the same,” he added.
“Usman has made a huge contribution to Australian cricket both through his outstanding achievements as one of our most stylish and resilient batters since his Test debut 15 years ago, and off field, particularly through the Usman Khawaja Foundation,” said Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg.
“On behalf of Australian cricket I would like to thank and congratulate Usman for all he has achieved.”
Khawaja’s foundation helps youths from refugee, immigrant, Indigenous, and poor socioeconomic backgrounds through introductory cricket programs and educational support.
‘Attacked me’
Khawaja has so far amassed 6206 runs with 16 centuries and 28 half-centuries, averaging 43.39.
He smashed a career-high 232 against Sri Lanka a year ago, but has not made three figures since.
The current Ashes series has been a rollercoaster ride, with the veteran batsman coming under scrutiny.
Australia's Usman Khawaja announces his retirement from all international cricket during a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground today. Photo / Getty Images
He injured his back in the first test in Perth and was replaced as opener in the second innings by Travis Head, who blasted a match-winning century.
Khawaja did not feature in the next match at Brisbane and was omitted from the team for the third test in Adelaide, only to get a lifeline when Steve Smith dropped out ill just before the toss.
He came in at number four and hit 82 and 40 before making 29 and 0 in the fourth test at Melbourne.
“I’m glad I get to leave on amy own terms, with a little bit of dignity, and go out at the SCG where I love,” he said, while expressing frustration at how he was treated.
“When I did my back (in Perth), I hurt my back and had back spasms and it was something I couldn’t control.
“The way the media and past players came out and attacked me. I could have copped it for a couple of days but it went on for five days.
“The way everyone came out at me about my preparation, ‘he’s not committed to the team. Only worried about himself. Playing a golf competition. He’s selfish, he didn’t train hard enough. He’s lazy’.
“These are the same racial stereotypes (I thought we had moved past).
“But obviously we haven’t fully moved past that. I haven’t seen anyone treated like that in the Australian cricket team before.”
He nevertheless admitted the writing was on the wall during the current Ashes series.
