Australia opener Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 39. Khawaja said that the Ashes Test in Sydney will be his last match for Australia.
HERE IS HIS FULL RETIREMENT SPEECH:
“Bear with me, I’ve just written something. Funnily enough I did, I lived just up the road from the SCG, on Cook Road to be exact. And I’ll never forget when I was younger, I saw Michael Slater drive in his red Ferrari. I couldn’t believe my luck, I just saw a test cricketer. And as a boy, whose parents were barely scraping through and trying to provide for their kids in a little two bedroom apartment, I thought one day I’m going to be a test cricketer. And one day I can drive whatever I want. Never did I think that God would grant me such a wish. I’m here to announce today that I’ll be retiring from all international cricket after the SCG test match. God through cricket has given me far more than I ever imagined. Sorry, whatever is writing this is really frustrating. He’s given me memories I’ll carry forever, friendships that go well beyond the game, and lessons that shape me, who I am off the field. But no career belongs to one person, I obviously had a lot of help. To my parents who are over there, thank you for your sacrifices that never made the highlights real. That’s you, Mum and Dad, Tarek and Fazia. The early mornings, the long drives, the beliefs when the results weren’t there. Mum, you knew plenty of those when I used to come. Disappointed, sad, you always consoled me. And I’ll never forget that. Dad, you always said that I would play for Australia one day. Even though sometimes I didn’t believe in myself. You taught me values before ambition. You taught me to be humble, always respectful, and treat everyone as equals no matter what. And that grounded me through everything that followed. I hope I repaid your sacrifice in leaving everything behind in Pakistan to come to Australia to give us kids a better life. 88 Test Matches, Dad, isn’t that enough? To my brothers, Arslan and Norman, I want to thank you for the countless hours you spent in the nets, the backyards, everything you did, even down the road here in Centennial Park, where you give me that token five minutes bat at the end of the day. Without your time and effort, I wouldn’t be here, nor would I have my full shot, because all you did was bump me. But you always instilled in me that my journey would be tougher than the other kids. And if I wanted to make it, that I had to work harder than everyone else, score more runs than the rest, and make sure that I don’t give them any excuse not to pick me. I’ll never forget those words, and you were 100% right. Rachie, my beloved wife, this journey has asked more of you than it has ever asked of me, particularly since you read everything that goes on in the press. The missed moments, the long stretches apart, the pressures that come with this life and taking care of the kids on your own. You carried our family so I could chase my dream, and I’ll always be grateful for that. And don’t worry, I know how you always remind me that all my international centuries came after I met you. You truly are one of my greatest blessings in life. You changed the path of my life, and you definitely changed the path of my career. And I thank Allah every day that I got to share this journey with you. I love you so much. To my kids, Aisha and Isla, you gave me perspective and reminded me of what really matters. Win or lose, everything I did out there, I hope one day that you’d be proud of what I achieved, but also what I was like as a human. I’ll continue to buy you chippies and give you lots of lollies when mum isn’t looking, don’t worry, because you know I’m a sucker for hugs and kisses. To Rachel’s family, including John and Michelle, Rachel’s parents, thank you for all your support and time spent over the last 10 years. I’m truly blessed to have such a great extended family. The fact that Rachel’s brother and dad both love playing golf is just a bonus, and probably half the reason why I married you, Rachie. But I tell you what, next year’s going to be a bad year for me to be a titleless Pro V1 because I’m going to be playing lots of golf. There’s nothing you guys can say about it. To Bill Anderson, my friend and mentor, thank you for believing in me before the numbers did, for your honesty, for your patience, and your guidance and your path when things weren’t clear. You helped shape my career, but also my character. To my teammates, coaches, support staff, it’s been a privilege sharing the dressing room with you. You make the hard days manageable and the good days unforgettable. Cricket is a team game, but more than that, it’s a people game, and I’ve been incredibly lucky with the people I’ve gotten to be around. Along the way, I’ve learnt that not everything in life is in our control. I train my best, but then it’s all up to Allah, and Allah is the best of planners. If he wasn’t, I wouldn’t be here right now. This game humbles you. It tests your patience, your resilience, and your character. And if you’re lucky, it teaches you gratitude. Even on days that doesn’t go your way, alhamdulillah always. I hope I’ve inspired many children along the way, particularly those who feel that they are different, those who feel that they don’t belong, or those others tell that they will never make it. I felt all these things growing up and trying to be an Australian cricketer. But seeing is believing, and I’m here to tell you that you can do whatever you want. You’ve just got to keep trying. Never let anyone convince you that you can’t, because if they do convince you, then you never will. I’m 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. As I walk off for the last time, I do so with gratitude and peace, whereas we say salam. Grateful for the journey, the people, the lessons. Thank you for letting me live my dream and for sharing it with me.”
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