Usman Khawaja Announces Retirement, Battles Ongoing Racial Stereotypes

Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from international cricket, concluding a notable career marked by significant achievements. Throughout his tenure, he participated in six Ashes series, securing two victories while drawing and losing two each. Khawaja was also a key member of Australia’s team that clinched the World Test Championship in 2023.

Final Milestones and Domestic Career

In his final Test, Khawaja needs just 30 runs to surpass Mike Hussey on Australia’s all-time run-scorers list. This would place him 14th, just behind cricket legend Donald Bradman. Over his career, Khawaja featured in 40 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), amassing 1,554 runs with an impressive average of 42. Additionally, he played nine T20 internationals, scoring 241 runs at an average of 26.77.

While Khawaja’s international career comes to an end, he will continue playing domestically for Queensland. His final international match will take place at the same ground where he began his professional journey with New South Wales in 2008.

The Challenges of Representation

Khawaja has been candid about the challenges he faced during his Test career. Despite overcoming numerous obstacles, he often felt like an outsider. “At the age of 25, I tried so hard to fit into the Australian cricket team,” he expressed. “I was trying to dress like all the boys; I was going out to the clubs even though I didn’t drink.”

He believes that his name, which differs from the more common John Smith, affected his selection during pivotal moments. “When it comes to 50-50 calls, they often didn’t go in my favor,” he noted. Khawaja aims for future players like him to find it easier to succeed in a sport that remains predominantly white. “I’m hoping the journey for the next Usman Khawaja is a bit easier,” he stated.

Continued Progress in Australian Cricket

• Achievements:
  • Two Ashes series victories
  • World Test Championship winner in 2023
• International Stats:
  • ODIs: 1,554 runs at an average of 42
  • T20s: 241 runs at an average of 26.77
• Future Focus: Continued presence in domestic cricket.

Khawaja concluded that while Australian society has made progress towards inclusivity, there is still work to be done. “We’re a lot better and more inclusive than we’ve been before, but there’s still a way to go,” he remarked. His aspirations for change remain steadfast, as he works towards a cricketing culture that embraces diversity.