Usman Khawaja has used his farewell address ahead of his final Test match to deliver a candid critique of racial prejudices he says still exist within Australian cricket.
Confirming his retirement at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the 39-year-old spoke of the “double standards” he encountered during his career, singling out the scrutiny he faced during the recent Ashes series.
Khawaja said criticism intensified after he missed the Perth Test due to back spasms, with some commentators linking the injury to him playing golf in the days leading up to the match. He rejected the claim, arguing it reflected a tendency to question his commitment in a way that would not be applied to other players.
“These are the same racial stereotypes I’ve grown up with my whole life,” Khawaja said. “It wasn’t even about my performances. It became quite personal.”
He contrasted his experience with how other Australian cricketers are often treated.
“I can name plenty of players who’ve had 15 schooners the night before and then gotten injured, and no one says a word. That’s fine — they’re just being Aussie larrikins,” he said. “But when I get injured, everyone goes after my credibility.”
Despite his criticism, Khawaja acknowledged that Australian cricket has become more inclusive since his debut 15 years ago. As a key figure in Cricket Australia’s Multicultural Action Plan, he said his aim had been to make the pathway easier for players from diverse backgrounds.
“What I’m hoping is that the journey for the next Usman Khawaja is a little bit easier,” he said. “And that we eventually reach a point where the journey for an Usman Khawaja is the same as it is for a John Smith.”
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg backed the veteran batter, conceding the sport still had progress to make while praising Khawaja for leaving a legacy “far deeper than his on-field contribution.”
Source: UNB
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
