“As I walk off for the last time, I do so with gratitude and peace.”
Khawaja immigrated to Australia from Islamabad as a child, battling the odds to become the country’s first Pakistan-born national player.
At one point, he was the only Asian first-class player in Australia and is credited with opening doors for others.
“Usman has made a huge contribution to Australian cricket both through his outstanding achievements as one of our most stylish and resilient batters since his Test debut 15 years ago, and off field, particularly through the Usman Khawaja Foundation,” said Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg.
“On behalf of Australian cricket I would like to thank and congratulate Usman for all he has achieved.”
Khawaja’s foundation helps youths from refugee, immigrant, Indigenous, and poor socioeconomic backgrounds through introductory cricket programs and educational support.
‘Attacked me’
Khawaja has so far amassed 6206 runs with 16 centuries and 28 half-centuries, averaging 43.39.
He smashed a career-high 232 against Sri Lanka a year ago, but has not made three figures since.
The current Ashes series has been a rollercoaster ride, with the veteran batsman coming under scrutiny.
Australia’s Usman Khawaja announces his retirement from all international cricket during a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground today. Photo / Getty Images
He injured his back in the first test in Perth and was replaced as opener in the second innings by Travis Head, who blasted a match-winning century.
Khawaja did not feature in the next match at Brisbane and was omitted from the team for the third test in Adelaide, only to get a lifeline when Steve Smith dropped out ill just before the toss.
He came in at number four and hit 82 and 40 before making 29 and 0 in the fourth test at Melbourne.
“I’m glad I get to leave on amy own terms, with a little bit of dignity, and go out at the SCG where I love,” he said, while expressing frustration at how he was treated.
“When I did my back (in Perth), I hurt my back and had back spasms and it was something I couldn’t control.
“The way the media and past players came out and attacked me. I could have copped it for a couple of days but it went on for five days.
“The way everyone came out at me about my preparation, ‘he’s not committed to the team. Only worried about himself. Playing a golf competition. He’s selfish, he didn’t train hard enough. He’s lazy’.
“These are the same racial stereotypes (I thought we had moved past).
“But obviously we haven’t fully moved past that. I haven’t seen anyone treated like that in the Australian cricket team before.”
He nevertheless admitted the writing was on the wall during the current Ashes series.
“Going into Adelaide and then not being picked initially for that game was probably a sign for me to say ‘all right, it’s time to move on’,” he said.
Khawaja also played 40 one-dayers and nine Twenty20 internationals.
– Agence France-Presse