“I’ll Be Retiring From International Cricket,” Australian Legend Usman Khawaja Announced His Retirement

Australian cricket is set to witness the end of a remarkable chapter as Usman Khawaja has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. The experienced left-hander confirmed that the ongoing fifth Ashes Test against England will be the final match of his international career.

The Test will be Khawaja’s 88th and last appearance, and fittingly, it will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), which is the same venue where his journey in top-level cricket first began.

It Ends Where It All Started!

On Friday morning, Khawaja informed his teammates about his decision, bringing an emotional close to a Test career that started back in 2011, when he made his debut after an injury to Ricky Ponting. Over the next 15 years, Khawaja went on to score more than 6000 Test runs, becoming one of Australia’s most dependable batters.

During his retirement announcement, Khawaja delivered a heartfelt speech, recalling his childhood and his deep connection with the SCG.

"I lived just up the road from the SCG, on Cook Road, to be exact," Khawaja said in an emotional retirement speech. "And I'll never forget when I was younger, I saw Michael Slater drive in his red Ferrari. I couldn't believe my luck, I just saw a Test cricketer. And as a boy whose parents were barely scraping through and trying to provide for their kids in a little two-bedroom apartment, I thought, 'One day I'm going to be a Test cricketer, and one day I can drive whatever I want'. Never did I think that God would grant me such a wish. I'm here to announce today that I'll be retiring from all international cricket after the SCG Test match."

Born in Pakistan and raised in Australia, Usman Khawaja created history by becoming Australia’s first Pakistan-born and first Muslim Test cricketer. Known for his calm temperament and solid technique, he earned respect early in his career as a reliable left-handed batter with strong cut and pull shots.

"I'm a proud Muslim, coloured boy from Pakistan who was told he would never play for the Australian cricket team. Look at me now. (For his Parents,) I hope I repaid your sacrifice in leaving everything behind in Pakistan to come to Australia to give us kids a better life," he said while addressing his parents in his speech. Eighty-eight Test matches, Dad, is that enough? Okay (laughs)."

"As I walk off for the last time, I do so with gratitude and peace, or as we say, salaam, grateful for the journey, the people, the lessons. Thank you for letting me live my dream and for sharing it with me," Khawaja said.

Cricket Australia’s Tribute

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg praised Khawaja’s impact both on and off the field, highlighting his consistency, leadership, and contributions beyond cricket through the Usman Khawaja Foundation.

He acknowledged Khawaja as one of Australia’s most reliable opening batters and a role model whose achievements reflect resilience and dedication.