Usman Khawaja Retirement: Australia’s 1st Muslim Cricketer Faces Racial Bias and Islamophobia

Australian opener Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket on January 2, 2026, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The fifth Ashes Test will be his final match.

Usman Khawaja retirement became official on January 2, 2026, when the Australian opener confirmed he will step away from international cricket. He made the announcement during an emotional press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Khawaja said the fifth Ashes Test against England, starting January 4, will be his final appearance. Australia leads the 2025–26 Ashes series 3–1. The SCG holds special meaning for him. He made his Test debut there in 2010 and returned with twin centuries in the 2021–22 Ashes.

The 39-year-old said he shared the decision with teammates earlier in the day. He discussed it with his family and coach Andrew McDonald. He said the timing felt right and that he wanted to leave on his own terms.

Khawaja had featured in 87 Test cricket matches, and will retire on 88. He had a score of 6,206 runs with an average of 43.39. His list has 16 centuries and highest score of 232 against Sri Lanka in 2025. His combined international formats totaled 8,000.

At the press conference, Usman Khawaja retirement took another twist. He openly addressed issues of racial stereotypes, criticism and Islamophobia directing against him. He declared that he hopes that future players with different backgrounds would be treated equally.

Khawaja claimed that he is a proud Muslim cricketer of Pakistani origin. He wishes that young players will get inspired by his trip. He intends to play on in domestic cricket and venture into commentating and administration.

There was praise of his career by Cricket Australia and teammates. With Usman Khawaja retirement being the culmination of a 15-year career, his contribution to and outside the field is still noticeable.