Australian Cricket batter Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday.
The 39-year-old Usman Khawaja is a Pakistan-born Muslim who has traveled to Australia and battled the odds and representing the country.
Usman Khawaja faced criticism from former players and pundits ahead of the first Test in Perth following a back injury, after the Australian opener was seen playing golf before the match.
Khawaja played in 87 Tests, 40 ODI’s and 9 T20I’s. In test matches he scored 6206 runs at an average of 43.39 with 16 tons and 28 half-centuries to his name.
Also Read: Nicknames of Australian Cricket Players
Usman Khawaja said,
“I am a proud Muslim, coloured boy from Pakistan who was told that he would never play for the Australian cricket team. Look at me now, and you can do the same.”
“The upcoming New Year’s Ashes Test in Sydney will be his final one. The number one emotion is contentment. I am very lucky to have played so many games for Australia the way I have. Really i hope inspired people along the way.”
“I was targeted by the media and past players, noting that he could have criticism for two days, but it stretched on for about five days.”
“The way everyone came at me about my preparation was quite personal in the terms of he is not committed to the team and he was only worried about himself. He doesn’t train hard enough and he didn’t train the day before game, he is lazy.”
“Other players have been in similar situations, “I can give you even more guys who have had 15 beers the night before, then got injured and no one’s said a word. That is alright—they are just being Aussie larrikins, just being lads.
“While I get injured, everyone went at my credibility and who I am as a person. Normally when someone gets injured, you feel sorry for them as a person.”
Australian CEO Todd Greenberg said,
“On behalf of Australian cricket, I would really like to thank and congratulate Usman for all he has achieved.”
Short biography about Usman Khawaja:
- Full name : Usman Tariq Khawaja
- Born : 18 December 1986
- Birth place : Islamabad, Pakistan
- Age : 39
- Nickname : Uzzie
- Height : 5 ft 10 in
- Role : Top-order batter
- Batting : Left-handed
- Bowling : Right-arm off break
- Current teams: Brisbane Heat, Queensland Bulls, Valley District Cricket Club
- Spouse : Rachel McLellan
- Parents : Fozia Tariq, Tariq Khawaja
- Siblings : Arsalan Khawaja, Nauman Khawaja
- Nationality: Australian
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