Usman Khawaja announces retirement amid criticism of cricket’s lack of diversity
Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has announced his international retirement, criticising the sport for being “still very white” and highlighting the persistence of Islamophobia in Australia. His comments come as he prepares to play in the fifth Ashes Test in his hometown of Sydney, marking the final act of a 15-year career in the Baggy Green, reports BritPanorama.
The 39-year-old, who became Australia’s first Muslim Test cricketer, expressed his frustrations during a press conference at the SCG. Transitioning into retirement, he stated, “I’m off the leash now” and addressed perceived inequalities in the treatment he received throughout his career.
Khawaja elaborated on the impact of a back injury he sustained during the series opener against England, arguing that the media’s portrayal of the situation unfairly targeted him. He expressed the sentiment that while many sporting injuries receive empathy, his experience drew disproportionate scrutiny.
“I’ve always felt a little bit different, even to now. Different in the way I’ve been treated, different in how things have happened,” he said. He referenced the unsavoury stereotypes and racial assumptions that proliferated following his injury, feeling they reflected a broader issue within Australian cricket.
“The way the media and past players came out and attacked me… I copped it for about five days straight. Everyone was piling in,” he noted. Khawaja contended that such treatment continues a pattern of racial bias against players from diverse backgrounds.
Highlighting historical prejudice, he remarked, “Pakistani, West Indian, coloured players… we’re selfish, we only care about ourselves, we don’t care about the team, we don’t train hard enough.” He expressed disappointment that despite acknowledging the shortcomings of the past, the sport has struggled to move forward.
Reflecting on wider societal attitudes, Khawaja added, “We’re a lot better and inclusive society than we’ve been before but there’s still a way to go because Australian cricket is still very white in a lot of respects.”
Khawaja, who has amassed over 6,000 Test runs in 87 matches and scored 16 centuries, acknowledged that his views might provoke criticism but insisted it was vital to address these issues for future generations. He stated, “I know people are trying to nail me. But don’t gaslight me,” underscoring his commitment to speaking out against Islamophobia.
His hope is that successive players will face fewer barriers than he did. “I’m hoping the journey for the next Usman Khawaja is a bit easier… where that Usman Khawaja is the same as John Smith,” he concluded, positioning himself as a champion for those who struggle to have their voices heard.
Khawaja’s retirement not only marks the end of a successful playing career but also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding diversity in sports. The echoes of his observations may well resonate, challenging the cricketing community to foster a more inclusive environment for future generations.
