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Updated 02 January 2026 - Sydney
Khawaja announces retirement ahead of final Ashes Test
Australia's Usman Khawaja will end his international career in the fifth Ashes Test against England, starting Sunday at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The 39-year-old left-handed batter, who made his debut at the same venue in 2011, confirmed his retirement in an emotional press conference on Thursday.
Career highlights and milestones
Khawaja amassed 6,206 Test runs at an average of 43.39, including 16 centuries. He ranks 14th on Australia's all-time run-scorers list, needing 30 more runs in his final match to surpass Mike Hussey. The Queensland player also featured in 40 one-day internationals, scoring 1,554 runs, and nine T20 internationals, where he tallied 241 runs.
His career spanned six Ashes series, with Australia winning two, losing two, and drawing two. He was part of the team that clinched the 2023 World Test Championship. Domestically, Khawaja will continue playing for Queensland after retiring from international cricket.
Confronting racial stereotypes
Khawaja, born in Pakistan and the first Muslim to represent Australia, spoke candidly about the racial stereotypes he faced throughout his career. "I'm a proud Muslim, coloured boy from Pakistan who was told he would never play for the Australian cricket team," he said. "Look at me now."
He recounted criticism during the current Ashes series after playing golf the day before the first Test and later suffering back spasms. Khawaja described the backlash as personal, with accusations of being "not committed to the team," "selfish," and "lazy."
"These are the same stereotypes-racial stereotypes-I've grown up with my whole life. I just thought the media and old players and everyone else had moved past them, but we obviously haven't."
Usman Khawaja
Khawaja contrasted his treatment with that of other players, noting that injuries or off-field activities by non-Muslim teammates often went uncriticized. "When I get injured, everyone went at my credibility and who I am as a person," he said.
Advocacy and challenges
Khawaja has been vocal about social issues, including wearing a black armband in a 2023 Test against Pakistan to show solidarity with Gaza, which led to an ICC charge. He acknowledged that speaking out has made him a target but emphasized the importance of addressing systemic biases.
"I call myself the people's champ, not because I think everyone loves me but because I speak about things for the people that other people don't want to speak about."
Usman Khawaja
He expressed hope that future players from diverse backgrounds would face fewer barriers. "I want him or her to be treated all the same-not have racial stereotypes over who they might be."
Reflections on identity and inclusion
Khawaja shared his early struggles to fit into the Australian team, including adopting behaviors that conflicted with his values. "At the age of 25, I tried so hard to fit in. I was trying to dress like all the boys; I was going out to the clubs even though I didn't drink," he said. "I get it-my name isn't John Smith. When the 50-50 calls happen, they're just not going my way."
He acknowledged progress in inclusivity but noted that Australian cricket remains "very white in a lot of respects." "We're a lot better and a more inclusive society than we've been before, but there's still a way to go," he said.
Final Test and legacy
Khawaja's 88th Test will be his last, played at the same ground where he debuted 15 years ago. He reflected on his journey, from being dropped multiple times to becoming a key player, particularly as an opener in the 2021-22 home Ashes series.
After the Ashes, Australia's next Test series is scheduled for August. Khawaja will continue his domestic career, having played professionally for New South Wales and Queensland since 2008.
