In a press conference where he confirmed his retirement, Usman Khawaja expressed feelings of being held to different standards after he had voiced his opinions on political matters in recent years.

Usman Khawaja, appearing at the press conference in an Australian cricket team hoodie, shared his thoughts with the media against a backdrop adorned with Cricket Australia and NRMA Insurance logos.

At 39, Khawaja is set to become Australia’s oldest Test player in four decades when he takes the field at the Sydney Cricket Ground this Sunday.

“These are the same racial stereotypes that I’ve grown up with my whole life.”

Khawaja believed part of that commentary came down to the fact he had been outspoken on political issues in recent years, and the most notably the plight of Palestinians.

“But I feel like I have to because where these guys are trying to divide and create hate and trying to create animosity in the Australian community, I’m doing the exact opposite.”

SCG fitting location for Khawaja’s farewell

His 2011 debut against England, in which he scored 37 runs, offered Australian fans hope at the end of the worst home summer this century.

Usman Khawaja with his wife Rachel and children Aisha and Ayla at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Khawaja will soon play his final Test match. Source: AAP / Dan Himbrechts

And it was at the SCG where he revived his career as a 35-year-old, scoring twin centuries against England when Travis Head missed a Test in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic.