"Look at me now": Khawaja’s retirement message to kids who feel they don’t belong
Usman Khawaja will retire from international cricket following the final Ashes Test in Sydney this week. The 39-year-old opening batter confirmed the decision during an emotional 55-minute press conference at the SCG on Friday, surrounded by his wife, Rachel, and their two children.
Khawaja, who debuted at the same ground in 2011, will finish his career with 88 Tests, currently ranking 15th on the list of Australia’s highest Test run-scorers. "I'm a proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan who was told he would never play for the Australian cricket team, look at me now," Khawaja said, reflecting on a journey that challenged the traditional face of the sport in Australia.
His career was defined by a successful second act following a three-year omission from the national side in 2019. Before that hiatus, Khawaja averaged 40.66 over 44 Tests; since his return during the 2021-22 Ashes, that average rose to 46.1.
He has amassed 6,206 runs and 16 centuries, often playing as a specialist in an era increasingly dominated by multi-format power-hitters. Despite the physical attrition of opening the batting, which he described as "tough on the brain," Khawaja maintained a singular technique that favoured soft hands and precision over raw power.
The announcement was also used to address what Khawaja described as the "racial stereotypes" he faced throughout his career. He specifically cited the criticism he received after suffering back spasms before the Perth Test, where media and former players questioned his commitment because he had played golf the day before.
"The way everyone came at me... he's selfish, he doesn't train hard enough, he's lazy. These are the same stereotypes, the racial stereotypes I've grown up with my whole life," Khawaja said. He pointed out that white teammates who drank "15 schooners" or played golf before injuries were often labeled "Aussie larrikins" rather than having their credibility attacked, adding, "Don't gaslight me."
Khawaja credited his late-career resurgence to his family and his Islamic faith. He noted that all his international centuries came after meeting his wife and thanked his parents, Tariq and Fozia, for the sacrifices they made after moving from Pakistan.
He recalled his brothers telling him his journey would be tougher than other kids and that he would have to work harder to avoid being ignored. "I train my best, but then it's all up to Allah, and Allah is the best of planners," he said, adding that his faith helped ground him through the periods when he was frequently dropped from the side.
"I just want the journey for the next Usman Khawaja to be different. I want you to treat him or her all the same, not have racial stereotypes of who they might be."
As he prepares to walk out for his final test against England on Sunday, Khawaja said he hopes his legacy simplifies the path for future cricketers from diverse backgrounds. He urged children who feel different to ignore those who say they will never make it, stating that "seeing is believing."
