As he announced his retirement from international cricket, Australian Test cricketer Usman Khawaja used his final press conference to criticise what he called “right-wing” politics, accusing some leaders of fuelling division.
“We get all these right-wing politicians that are anti-immigration and anti-Islamophobia, and I speak up against them. I know people don’t love that,” Khwaja said as he confirmed he would step away after the Ashes series.
Khawaja’s remarks come amid heightened national debate over extremism, social cohesion, and political rhetoric following the Bondi terror attack.
The 39-year-old, who has been outspoken on the war in Gaza, said remaining silent as public debate hardened into division was not an option.
“I feel like I have to, because where these guys are trying to divide, create hate, and trying to create animosity in the Australian community, I’m doing the exact opposite. I’m trying to bring everyone together,” he said.
He linked his stance to his identity, arguing that representation mattered in a country shaped by migration.
“I’m the Australian Muslim from Pakistan, and I’m an Australian cricketer right in front of you who loves playing cricket, loves going out and doing everything that you do,” Khwaja said.
Pointing to his family, he said his own life reflected the multicultural Australia he believed should be protected.
“I’ve got a white wife over there who I love and cherish, and I’ve got half Australian, half Pakistani kids.”
Khawaja acknowledged he had often been urged to steer clear of contentious topics and focus solely on cricket, but said criticism of his faith crossed a line.
Palestine Human Rights
Khawaja again defended his outspoken support for Palestinians, arguing that the issue transcended politics and religion.“This is not political, it’s not religious. It’s for human rights,” Khawaja said.
The comments follow years of advocacy that has at times placed him at odds with cricket authorities and public figures.
In August 2025, Khawaja sought a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urging sanctions against Israel over its actions in Gaza.
While previously critical of Albanese for what he viewed as a slow response to Islamophobia, Khwaja later welcomed the Prime Minister’s public stance on Palestine.
“He’s showing courage, and this is his legacy,” Khawaja said.
Khawaja’s comments comes as Australians grapple with the fallout of the Bondi terror attack that claimed the lives of 15 people, mostly Jews, and injured 40 others.
In response to Khawaja, Jewish Rabbi Osher Feldman said that while the cricketer’s speech covered Palestine, the far-right, Islamophobia, and immigration, it made no mention of anti-Semitism.
ICC Restrictions Clash
Khawaja’s advocacy repeatedly collided with international cricket regulations.He attempted to display messages such as “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” on his shoes, gestures aimed at drawing attention to civilian suffering in the Middle East.
According to ESPN, the International Cricket Council prohibited the messages during the Perth Test, citing rules that ban personal political statements on playing equipment.
Khawaja later wore a black armband as an alternative form of protest and sought approval to display a dove holding an olive branch on his bat—requests that the ICC also rejected.
Khawaja will retire with 88 Tests and 6,206 runs, ranking 15th on Australia’s all-time run list. With Australia holding an unassailable 3-1 Ashes lead, the Sydney Test will serve as a farewell.
