Aussie batter Usman Khawaja is set to retire from all international cricket. His long career will finish after the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). That final match starts on January 4, 2026. Khawaja, now 39, made the big announcement on Friday during an emotional press conference at the SCG. He didn’t just talk about cricket though. He also spoke quite openly about racial stereotyping he faced.
It’s pretty much the end of an era for Australian cricket. Khawaja has been a really stylish and resilient batter. He’s played a lot of games for Australia, 87 Tests actually. And he’s scored over 6,200 runs, including 16 centuries. What a career, honestly. He’s been thinking about this for a couple of years, apparently. Even talked to coach Andrew McDonald about it, which is something. He even told McDonald he’d retire “straight away” if they wanted him to, showing he wasn’t clinging on.
A Journey Bookended at the SCG
The SCG holds a special place for Khawaja. It’s where his Test career started back in the 2010-11 Ashes series. And it’s where it will end too. He even joked about living “just up the road” from the ground. He remembers seeing Michael Slater drive a red Ferrari there as a kid. That really inspired him, you know, to be a Test cricketer. It’s pretty cool how things come full circle like that, don’t you think?
The SCG was also the stage for a massive comeback. Back in the 2021-22 Ashes, Khawaja was 35. He scored twin centuries there when Travis Head missed a game due to Covid. That sparked a huge late-career revival for him.
He hit seven centuries in his next two years back in the side. That shows some real guts and determination, to come back like that. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg praised his “outstanding achievements.” He was also the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in 2023, which is a big deal. You can see more about his career highlights in this short video.
Speaking Out: Battling Stereotypes
But the press conference wasn’t all about goodbyes and memories. Khawaja spoke very powerfully about the racism he’s experienced. He said he’s always felt “a little bit different” as a Pakistan-born Muslim. He’s also the first Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia. That’s a lot to carry, I’d say.
He specifically talked about recent criticism. He had a back injury before the Perth Test, right? Some people in the media and past players really went after him. They said things like he wasn’t committed or was lazy. Khawaja said these were “racial stereotypes” he’s dealt with his “whole life.”
He even pointed out how white Australian players, like Josh Inglis or Glenn Maxwell, got injured but didn’t face the same backlash for things like golf or having a few beers. It’s a pretty stark comparison, you know? He told reporters, “when I get injured, everyone went at my credibility.” You can read more about Khawaja’s comments on racial stereotyping on ESPN.
He really wants things to change for future players who might feel different. “I’m hoping the journey for the next Usman Khawaja is a bit easier,” he said. That’s a strong message to send, right at the end of his international career.
A Legacy Beyond the Boundary
Khawaja leaves international cricket having made a huge mark. He’s played 87 Tests, scored 6,206 runs, and made 16 centuries. His average is a solid 43.39. He needs 30 more runs in his final Test to pass Mike Hussey on Australia’s all-time run-scorers list. That’d be a nice way to finish, I guess.
Australia has already retained The Ashes, leading England 3-1. So, he’s bowing out on a high note, which is pretty good for him. Fans will get a chance to say goodbye properly in Sydney. After all the international stuff, Khawaja isn’t completely done with cricket.
He plans to keep playing domestically for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League and for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield. Cricket Australia, through CEO Todd Greenberg, also highlighted his work with the Usman Khawaja Foundation. That’s a good thing too, helping others off the field.
Khawaja said his main emotion right now is “contentment.” That’s a lovely way to feel at the end of such a big chapter. He really hopes he’s inspired a lot of kids, especially those who feel “different.” As he put it, “seeing is believing.” He said he’s a “proud Muslim, coloured boy from Pakistan” who was told he’d never play for Australia. “Look at me now,” he added. Pretty powerful stuff. He ended his speech with “salam,” saying he’s grateful for everything. For more details on his international retirement, check out this ESPN report.
Sagnik Banerjee 
Priyanjan Paul