Usman Khawaja Takes Sly Dig at “Right-Wing Politicians” For Their Islamophobic Ideology While Announcing Test Retirement

Veteran Usman Khawaja was also a part of the Australian squad at the 2019 ODI World Cup, where he scored 319 runs at an average of 35.11.

Usman Khawaja Takes Sly Dig at “Right-Wing Politicians” For Their Islamophobic Ideology While Announcing Test Retirement

Usman Khawaja announced that he will retire at the end of the 2025-26 Ashes. (via India Today)

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Bringing an end to all speculation, Usman Khawaja announced that he would retire from international cricket at the end of the ongoing 2025-26 Ashes. Khawaja, however, used the opportunity to take a dig at issues like racism and Islamophobia in Australia in his press conference.

This week’s fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground will be Usman Khawaja’s last, as he bows out with a career Test tally of over 6,000 runs. So far, the 39-year-old has featured in 87 Tests and 40 ODIs. Khawaja was a key member of Australia’s 2023 WTC-winning side, and was the second-highest scoring batter in that cycle, as a result of which he was also awarded the ICC Test Player of the Year award. 

Usman Khawaja’s recent form has been subject to debate, considering he has only scored 153 runs across five innings in the Ashes, and has even been replaced as the team’s opener. This decline in both form and fitness, as well as public pressure, seems to have driven his decision to retire on his own terms. His final appearance will be at the SCG, a venue where he made his Test debut during the 2011 Ashes.

The veteran opener, in his address to the media, spoke not only about his cricketing journey but also shed light on the persistent political issues in Australia. Khawaja, who was born in a Muslim family in Pakistan and migrated to the island nation as a young boy, revealed that he has been treated differently from the other players throughout his career. He even took a shot at ‘right-wing’ politicians in Australia as well as the media, for having targeted him due to his identity and his outspoken views. 

Even when we get to Australian politics, and we get all these right-wing politicians that are anti-immigration and Islamophobia, and I speak up against them, I know that people don’t love that. But I feel these guys are trying to divide and create hate.

Khawaja shared his difficulties in overcoming racial stereotypes and Islamophobia, and went so far as to accuse politicians of fostering division and hate in Australian society. The 39-year-old also stated that his decision to speak on human rights issues, especially for the Palestinian cause, has made him an easy target of criticism. Finally, he hoped for the journey of the ‘next Khawaja’ to be easier than his.

These are the same racial stereotypes I’ve grown up with my whole life … we obviously haven’t fully moved past them. There’s still a little bit out there which I still have to fight every single day.

The first Muslim to play for the Australian cricket team, Khawaja, will be hoping to end his career on a high note. Having already secured the 2025-26 Ashes by winning the first three Tests, the home side will be aiming for a 4-1 series finish.

Usman Khawaja fires back at past legends while announcing his retirement

Australian veteran Usman Khawaja fired back at past legends and pundits during a recent media interaction, where he also announced his retirement. The left-handed batter confirmed that the fifth Ashes New Year’s Test against England in Sydney will be his last.

Usman Khawaja criticism
Usman Khawaja was criticized by former players and pundits after the Perth Ashes Test. (via Fox Sports)

Apart from his declining form, Usman Khawaja’s preparation as well as his intent were questioned after he was ruled out of the second Ashes Test. The 39-year-old remained out of the playing XI in Brisbane, after back spasms disrupted his involvement in the series opener in Perth. The criticism from the Australian media and former players was so profound that Khawaja felt it was aimed at his personal life.

Usman Khawaja exclaimed that his commitment to the team has been questioned at times, highlighting. The left-hander alleged racial stereotyping, stating that injuries are beyond his control. Khawaja further noted that while the media expresses sympathy for other injured Australian players, including natives like Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they question his own credibility when he is injured.

The way the media and past players came out and attacked me. And it wasn’t even about my performances. It was about something very personal, it was about my preparation.

Nonetheless, Khawaja will be retiring from the game, having established a formidable legacy. His most memorable performance remains his maiden Test double century, a 232-run inning off 352 balls at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.

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