Khawaja calls out racial stereotypes in powerful farewell address

Usman Khawaja has delivered a stark message about the racial prejudices that still exist within Australian cricket.

Dhaka, Jan 2 — In an emotive farewell address ahead of his final Test match, Usman Khawaja has delivered a stark message about the racial prejudices that still exist within Australian cricket.

While confirming his retirement at the SCG, the 39-year-old took aim at the “double standards” he faced during his career, particularly during the recent Ashes series.

Khawaja said that the intense scrutiny he received after missing the Perth Test due to back spasms.

Critics had linked the injury to him playing golf in the days leading up to the match. Khawaja rejected this, suggesting the criticism questioned his work ethic in a way that wouldn’t happen to other players.

“These are the same racial stereotypes I've grown up with my whole life,” Khawaja said. “It wasn't even about my performances. It was quite personal.”

He drew a sharp comparison to how other Australian cricketers are treated.

“I can give you even more guys who have had 15 schooners the night before and then gotten injured, no one said a word. That’s all right – they are just being Aussie larrikins,” he noted. “But when I get injured, everyone went at my credibility.”

Despite the frustration, Khawaja acknowledged that the sport has become more welcoming since his debut 15 years ago.

As a key figure in Cricket Australia's Multicultural Action Plan, his goal has been to smooth the path for future players of diverse backgrounds.

“What I'm hoping is the journey for the next Usman Khawaja is a little bit easier,” he explained. “And then we get to a point... that the journey for an Usman Khawaja is the same as it is for a John Smith.”

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg backed the veteran batter, admitting the sport still has work to do but praising Khawaja for leaving a legacy “far deeper than his on-field contribution.” - UNB