Australia’s Usman Khawaja Announces Retirement from International Cricket After SCG Ashes Finale

Veteran Australian batter Usman Khawaja has confirmed that he will retire from international cricket after the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) this week, bringing the curtain down on a stellar 15-year Test career. The decision ends months of speculation over his future in the national side and marks an emotional milestone for Australian cricket fans around the world.

At 39 years old, Khawaja has been one of Australia’s most technically gifted and culturally significant players, amassing 6,206 Test runs at an average of 43.39, including 16 centuries over 87 matches. His farewell match — his 88th Test — will also be a full-circle moment, as the SCG is where he first made his Test debut in the 2010-11 Ashes series against England.

Speaking at a media conference at the iconic SCG, Khawaja expressed immense gratitude for the game that shaped his life. “Cricket has given me far more than I ever imagined — memories I’ll carry forever, friendships that go well beyond the game, and lessons that shaped who I am,” he said, acknowledging the sport’s profound impact on him both on and off the field.

Khawaja’s career has been defined not only by runs and resilience but also by his personal story of overcoming barriers. Born in Islamabad, Pakistan, and migrating to Australia as a young boy, he became the first Pakistan-born and first Muslim cricketer to represent Australia at Test level. Throughout his career, he has openly addressed the racial stereotyping and cultural challenges he faced — including criticism from media and commentators that often mirrored broader societal prejudices. In his retirement announcement he said he hoped his journey would inspire others who feel they “don’t belong” to pursue their dreams.

Over the years, Khawaja’s elegant left-handed batting and fierce competitive spirit earned him respect from fans and teammates alike. He enjoyed notable career highlights, including twin centuries at the SCG during the 2021-22 Ashes and vital innings across multiple series that helped Australia remain competitive on the global stage.

While Australia have already retained the Ashes with a 3-1 lead going into the final Test, the upcoming match will take on added emotional significance as a farewell to one of their most beloved players. Teammates, opponents, and cricket commentators have already begun paying tribute to Khawaja’s contribution to the sport, noting both his on-field excellence and his role as an advocate for greater diversity in cricket.

In his speech, Khawaja paid special tribute to his family — thanking them for their sacrifices and unwavering support throughout his journey from a young boy with a dream to an Australian cricketing icon. As he prepares to walk off the field one final time in Sydney, the cricket world will remember him as a trailblazer whose legacy extends far beyond statistics.