Australias Usman Khawaja to retire after Ashes finale, slams racial stereotyping

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Australia’s Usman Khawaja (centre) stretches with teammates during a training session at the SCG in Sydney on Jan 2, 2026.

AFP

SYDNEY – Usman Khawaja said on Friday he will retire from international cricket after the fifth and final Ashes clash against England, leaving a legacy as Australia’s first Muslim Test cricketer while lashing out at perceived “racial stereotyping” during his 15-year career.

The 39-year-old will pad up for the last time, should he be selected, when the Test gets under way in Sydney on Sunday, ending months of speculation about his future.

It would be an 88th Test for the classy left-hander, culminating a career where it began after making his debut at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2011, also against England.

“The No. 1 emotion is contentment. I’m very lucky to have played so many games for Australia the way I have,” Khawaja said. “I’m a proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan who was told that he would never play for the Australian cricket team. Look at me now, and you can do the same.”

Khawaja immigrated to Australia from Islamabad as a child, battling the odds to become the country’s first Pakistan-born, and first Muslim, national player. He is credited as a role model who opened doors for others.

“Usman has made a huge contribution to Australian cricket both through his outstanding achievements as one of our most stylish and resilient batters, and off field, particularly through the Usman Khawaja Foundation,” said Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg.

Khawaja’s foundation helps youths from refugee, immigrant,