Australian cricketer of Pakistani origin Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from international cricket.
Usman Khawaja’s 15-year Test career was not limited to cricket, but he emerged as a strong voice off the field as well.
Usman Khawaja, 39, spoke about his career as well as racial discrimination and identity issues in a long and emotional press conference.
Born in Pakistan, Usman Khawaja moved to Australia at the age of five and later became the first Muslim cricketer to represent the Australian national team.
He said that in the past he faced racial discrimination and had to try to hide his identity. He tried to pretend to be like the others to get a place in the cricket team, but was repeatedly kicked out of the team.
Usman Khawace said, “After moving to Queensland in 2012, I embraced my true self, which had a positive impact on my performance.”
He said I am a proud Muslim, I am from Pakistan. I was told you can’t play for Australia because I’m a Muslim, but today I’m sitting here.
Look at his 88 Tests. 6206 he runs away. His 16 centuries.
His legacy left behind 🇦🇺
THE DESIRE TO BE RESISTANT 👉 https://t.co/7xvZBEV8SO pic.twitter.com/Aq8p26aDXL
– Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) January 2, 2026
Usman Khawaja also linked criticism during the recent Ashes series to racial bias, when he faced unusual criticism for playing golf.
According to him, other players have never been targeted in such cases.
He also spoke about inclusion, diversity and equality in cricket and said that although there has been progress, challenges still exist. He also faced criticism for speaking in favor of Palestine, but he made it clear that he would continue to focus on unity and humanity instead of hatred.
In the end, Usman Khawaze said that he wants to be remembered as a good, kind person and a symbol of hope for young people, especially children who feel different and neglected.
Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja used his retirement speech to take aim at “right-wing politicians” and their rhetoric about mass immigration and Islam, defending his views by calling for inclusion and pointing to his mixed-race background and family as examples. pic.twitter.com/IaesxmVUMB
– Australia Against the Agenda (@ausvstheagenda) January 2, 2026






