Australian Muslim Cricketer Usman Khawaja Bids Farewell to Cricket, Exposes Racial Bias Within the Team
Usman Khawaja announced his retirement after the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG but used his farewell to speak out against racial bias and unequal treatment in Australian cricket.
Sydney: Australian veteran batter Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from international cricket, with the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground set to be his final appearance. However, what was expected to be a routine farewell turned into a powerful and emotional moment, as Khawaja openly spoke about racial bias, stereotyping, and unequal treatment within Australian cricket.
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The 39-year-old’s final press conference went far beyond cricket, sparking a wider debate on race, media responsibility, and accountability in elite sport.
A Farewell That Turned Into a Reckoning
Usman Khawaja’s words carried special weight because of who he is. He is Australia’s first Muslim Test cricketer, a key figure in multiple Ashes campaigns, and a symbol of the nation’s evolving cricketing identity.
Instead of focusing only on his retirement, Khawaja addressed the criticism he faced during the ongoing Ashes series, particularly after missing a Test match due to a back spasm.
‘Judged for Character, Not Injury’
Khawaja revealed that his absence due to injury was not treated as a medical issue but as a question of intent and commitment.
He said he was labelled:
- Lazy
- Selfish
- Uncommitted
According to Khawaja, such language reflected racial stereotypes he has faced since childhood. He contrasted this with the sympathy shown to other players who missed matches with similar injuries.
Media Scrutiny and Double Standards
The Australian batter also criticised sections of the cricket media and former players, stating that scrutiny of his fitness, preparation, and lifestyle crossed the line.
He referred to the controversy surrounding him playing golf before the Perth Test, where his injury was portrayed as a personal failure rather than misfortune.
Khawaja made it clear that the issue was not accountability, but selective outrage and double standards.
His now-viral remark, “Don’t gaslight me,” summed up years of frustration and feeling unheard.
‘Being Different Shaped My Journey’
Born in Pakistan and raised in Australia, Khawaja spoke candidly about identity and belonging in a sport that prides itself on fairness.
“I’m a proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan who was told he would never play for Australia,” he said, reframing his career as not just sporting success, but a cultural struggle.
Career Numbers and Lasting Legacy
On paper, Khawaja retires as one of Australia’s most reliable modern-era Test batters:
- 87 Test matches
- 6,206 Test runs
- Average of 43.39
- 16 Test centuries
- Over 8,000 international runs across formats
Yet, his legacy now extends far beyond statistics.
A Voice That Will Echo Beyond Cricket
By speaking openly at the end of his career, Usman Khawaja has forced Australian cricket to confront uncomfortable truths many believed were settled.
His final message ensures that his retirement will not just be remembered for runs and records, but for challenging racial bias and demanding fairness in the game.
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