The 39-year-old is expected to play his final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where his international career first began in 2011 against the same opponent. If selected, it will be his 88th Test appearance for Australia.
Speaking about his decision, Khawaja said he felt content and grateful for the career he had. He said he hoped his journey would inspire others to believe in themselves despite obstacles.
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Khawaja, who moved to Australia from Islamabad as a child, became the country’s first Pakistan-born and first Muslim Test cricketer. He recalled being told early in his life that he would never represent Australia, a belief he proved wrong through persistence and performance.
Throughout his career, he said he faced unfair criticism and racial stereotyping, especially during the current Ashes series. After suffering a back injury in the first Test, Khawaja came under heavy scrutiny over his fitness and commitment, something that deeply frustrated him.
He said comments questioning his dedication and work ethic reflected old stereotypes that he believed cricket had moved past. Khawaja said he had never seen another Australian player treated in the same way.
Despite mixed performances in the ongoing series, Khawaja admitted that being dropped earlier in the Ashes was a clear signal that it was time to move on.
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Cricket Australia praised his contribution, calling him one of the most stylish and resilient batters of the modern era. His off-field work through the Usman Khawaja Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth, was also highlighted.
Khawaja ends his career with 6,206 Test runs, 16 centuries, and appearances in one-day and T20 internationals, leaving behind a legacy far bigger than numbers.
