While addressing the reporters during his retirement, Usman Khawaja did not hold back as he went after former players and media for their double standards. Speaking to reporters for nearly 50 minutes,
Khawaja said he has felt singled out across different stages of his career, from his early days to the present.
Khawaja also claimed that certain sections of the media and the wider cricket fraternity have taken aim at him due to his identity and his willingness to voice strong opinions, especially on right-wing politics and the Palestinian cause.
He also pointed out that he was treated unfairly by large section of the media, after suffering back spasms during the Perth Test, which meant he couldn’t come out to bat at the top. When 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. ‘Poor Josh Hazlewood’ or ‘poor Nathan Lyon’. We feel sorry for them and we don’t attack what happened to them,” said Khawaja
Although former Australian legend did not agree with him. “I respect Usman and have really enjoyed his career, love how he speaks his mind. I felt the questions re his preparation before Perth (where he played a lot of golf and ended up with back spasms) were legitimate. England have been questioned about their prep too,” said Gillespie on X.
I respect Usman and have really enjoyed his career, love how he speaks his mind. I felt the questions re his preparation before Perth (where he played a lot of golf and ended up with back spasms) were legitimate. England have been questioned about their prep too.@stillnotoutpod https://t.co/rlHKP9GwbU
— Jason Gillespie (@dizzy259) January 2, 2026
Australian Test cricketer Usman Khawaja announced his retirement but also turned it into a political speech on Palestinians, far-right hate, Islamophobia, and immigration. He said nothing about antisemitism or the massacre that killed 15 Jews. Very distasteful. pic.twitter.com/J3jpgD77TZ
— Osher Feldman (@OsherFeldman) January 2, 2026
Twitter was split on what to make about this press conference. Some section of the Australian fans on social media expressed disappointment to some of the statements Usman Khawaja made.
- Moves to Australia - Showered with massive success - Represents Australian cricket team - Wins Cricket Word Cup - $4 million beach house - Marries Australian wife, she converts to Islam just for him - Better life than 99.9% of people on Earth But Usman Khawaja is extremely… https://t.co/XmnogwVlfk pic.twitter.com/TPo32T00kn
— Drew Pavlou 🇦🇺🇺🇸🇺🇦🇹🇼 (@DrewPavlou) January 2, 2026
“I’m a proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan who was told he would never play for the Australian cricket team look at me now,” Khawaja said, summing up a journey that has been as much about resilience and representation as runs and records. Khawaja also got plenty of support on social media.
Life always gives you a second chance. What matters is whether you’re ready when it shows up. Khawaja’s career felt all but over after the 2019 Ashes. Nearly 30 months without a Test match, and then suddenly one opportunity.... Travis Head gets Covid, Khawaja walks back into… pic.twitter.com/Mnf91f1JOK
— Prithvi (@Prithvi10_) January 2, 2026
Here's how Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket 🥹 pic.twitter.com/HHOtNTVFP5
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 2, 2026
A leader on and off the field 🙌 MORE: https://t.co/7xvZBEV8SO pic.twitter.com/tiCcxOGtxK
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) January 2, 2026
