Sydney: Veteran Australian batter Usman Khawaja has announced retirement from international cricket following the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Pakistan born cricketer used the moment to speak openly about racial stereotyping faced across his career.
Khawaja, aged 39, became the first Muslim to represent Australia in international cricket. During a media interaction in Sydney, he said background shaped public perception of his work ethic and commitment. He said treatment differed due to identity linked to faith and heritage.
He recalled criticism during a period of back spasms. He said physical injury lay outside personal control. He described five days of intense public criticism from media voices and former players. He said commentary focused on labels tied to race and culture. He said players from Pakistani, West Indian, and other non white backgrounds often face accusations of laziness and selfishness.
The Sydney Test will mark his 88th and final appearance in the longest format. The venue holds personal meaning. He began his first class career at the same ground. He scored his first Ashes century there in 2018 with 171 runs against England.
The ground also witnessed a career revival at age 35. He scored two centuries against England during a comeback series. The run sparked a strong late phase. He added seven centuries across the following two years.
Khawaja’s career stands as a record of resilience. His final Test closes a chapter shaped by achievement, scrutiny, and a sustained call for fairness within elite sport.
