Sydney, Jan 02 (V7N) – Australia’s first Muslim cricketer, Usman Khawaja, has announced his retirement from international cricket after the Sydney Test of the ongoing Ashes series, ending a 15-year-long illustrious career.

The 39-year-old batsman made the announcement at a press conference at the SCG, in the presence of his family, on Friday (January 2). Khawaja scored 6,206 runs in 87 matches, including 16 centuries and 28 fifties, during his international career. He will don the Australian jersey for the last time against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the venue where his career began.

During his career, Khawaja also faced incidents of racism, which he says motivated him to play with resilience and determination. Despite some criticism from fans, Khawaja emphasized that his performances were for the team, not personal gain.

Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg praised Khawaja, describing him as “one of the most stylish and tolerant batsmen” of his generation, and acknowledged his off-field contributions through the Usman Khawaja Foundation.

Australia has already secured a 3-1 lead in the Ashes series, and Khawaja’s final match is seen as the end of an era in Australian cricket.

END/SMA/AJ