Senior Australian Test cricketer Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from international cricket, confirming that he will bid farewell to Test cricket after the final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
The upcoming match will be the 88th Test of Khawaja’s career, bringing an end to a remarkable 15-year journey in international cricket.
The 39-year-old batter, who made his Test debut in 2011, scored more than 6,000 runs during his long and successful career. Notably, Khawaja began his first-class cricket journey at the SCG and has chosen the same venue to conclude his Test career, completing a memorable full circle.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Khawaja has also built a strong legacy off the field through the Usman Khawaja Foundation, focusing on positive social impact. He holds a unique place in Australian cricket history as the first Pakistan-born and first Muslim Test cricketer to represent Australia.
In 2023, Khawaja enjoyed one of the finest years of his career, winning both the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year and the Shane Warne Test Cricketer of the Year awards. He was also a key member of the Australian side that lifted the ICC World Test Championship the same year.
Speaking on his retirement, Khawaja said he feels completely satisfied with his career and considers himself fortunate to have represented Australia in so many matches. He added that he hopes his cricket journey has inspired people along the way.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg paid tribute to Khawaja, praising his exceptional contribution to Australian cricket. He described him as a stylish and high-class batter and congratulated him on an outstanding international career.
Usman Khawaja finishes his career having played 87 Tests, 40 One-Day Internationals, and 9 T20 Internationals. The final Ashes Test will begin on January 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
