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Usman Khawaja Journey: From Pakistan to Australian Cricket Star
Usman Khawaja remains one of Australia’s most respected cricketers - a technically gifted opener, a calm presence at the crease, and a powerful voice on issues of race, equality, and sports culture. As of 2025, Khawaja continues to make headlines both on and off the pitch, with new developments in the 2025 Ashes series, personal revelations, and standout professional achievements.
Who Is Usman Khawaja?
Usman Tariq Khawaja (born 18 December 1986, age 38) is an Australian international cricketer who represents Australia in Test cricket, captains the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL), and plays domestically for Queensland.
He made history as the first Muslim and first Pakistan-born cricketer to play for Australia, debuting in the 2010–2011 Ashes series.
Latest News Update (2025)
Usman Khawaja Barred From Opening the Batting in 2025 Ashes Test
In a surprising twist during the First Ashes Test in Perth (February 2025), Usman Khawaja was ruled ineligible to open the batting after spending too much time off the field due to a minor injury assessment.
This sparked backlash across cricket circles:
- Fox Sports reported Steve Smith was “furious” over the “unthinkable Khawaja situation.”
- The ICC’s strict playing-time rules prevented Khawaja from opening the innings.
- Marnus Labuschagne was forced to open instead.
The incident has dominated cricket headlines and social media discussions in Australia and the UK.
Khawaja Reveals Disturbing Abuse Targeting His Mother
In January 2025, Usman Khawaja revealed that his mother was the target of shameful racial abuse during the Boxing Day Test, describing the experience as “deeply painful” and calling for stronger spectator behavior standards.
This story continues to trend across cricket forums and mainstream media.
Usman Khawaja Biography
Early Life & Background
- Full Name: Usman Tariq Khawaja
- Born: 18 December 1986
- Birthplace: Islamabad, Pakistan
- Nationality: Australian
- Religion: Muslim
- Parents: Tariq Khawaja (father), Fozia Tariq (mother)
- Siblings: Arsalan Khawaja, Nauman Khawaja
Usman Khawaja migrated to Australia at age 4, grew up in Sydney, and developed a passion for cricket early on. Before becoming a professional athlete, he trained as a licensed pilot, demonstrating academic excellence and discipline.
Cricket Career
International Debut
- Test Debut: 2011 Ashes (Sydney)
- ODI Debut: 2013
- T20I Debut: 2016
Usman Khawaja immediately attracted attention for his elegant left-handed strokeplay and calm temperament under pressure.
Rise to Stardom
Usman Khawaja career took a major leap between 2018–2023, where he:
- Scored multiple Ashes centuries
- Became Australia’s most reliable opener
- Achieved multiple ICC Top 10 Test batting rankings
- Delivered career-defining performances against Pakistan, England & India
Current Teams (2025)
- Australia National Team (Test)
- Queensland Bulls
- Brisbane Heat (Captain)
- Lancashire Cricket Club
He has also played for:
- Glamorgan
- Islamabad United
- Sydney Thunder
Usman Khawaja Stats (Updated 2025)
Test Cricket
- Matches: 84
- Runs: 6053
- Average: 43.9
- Strike Rate: 48.6
ODI Cricket
- Matches: 40
- Runs: 1554
- Average: 42.0
T20 Leagues
- T20 Matches: 118
- Runs: 3292
- Average: 30.2
Playing Style
Usman Khawaja is known for his elegant left-handed batting, and remarkable patience and composure. Also, his strong technique against pace & spin makes him one of Australia best cricketer.
Usman Khawaja now helps mentor younger cricketers. He is known for his tactical leadership in the BBL
His cricketing mindset and consistency have made him a modern Australian Test legend.
Personal Life
Marriage & Family
- Spouse: Rachel McLellan (married 2018)
- Children: Two daughters
Khawaja often shares family moments on Instagram, where he has over 770K followers.
Controversies & Challenges
Racial Abuse
Usman Khawaja has openly discussed racism in Australian cricket, especially incidents affecting him and his family.
2025 Ashes Eligibility Rule Controversy
The ICC ruling preventing him from opening the batting caused uproar, with many calling the situation “beyond a joke.”
Brother’s Legal Troubles
His brother, Arsalan Khawaja, faced previous legal actions, which Khawaja responded to with grace and emotional transparency.
Achievements & Awards
- First Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia
- Part of Australia’s elite 6,000+ Test runs club
- Multiple Ashes centuries
- BBL champion with Brisbane Heat
- Recognized for bridging cultural gaps in cricket
Usman Khawaja FAQs
1. How old is Usman Khawaja?
- Usman Khawaja is 38 years old as of 2025 (born 18 December 1986).
2. What teams does Usman Khawaja play for?
- Australia (Test), Queensland, Brisbane Heat, and Lancashire.
3. Why couldn’t Usman Khawaja open the batting in the 2025 Ashes?
- ICC rules prevented him as he spent too long off the field before Australia’s batting innings.
4. Where was Usman Khawaja born?
- Islamabad, Pakistan.
5. Is Usman Khawaja married?
- Yes, to Rachel McLellan, and they have two daughters.
6. What is Usman Khawaja batting style?
- Left-handed top-order batsman.
7. What is Usman Khawaja heritage?
- Pakistani-born Australian Muslim.
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About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on Essie Book Blog, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.
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