Usman Tariq Khawaja is one of Australian cricket’s most captivating figures of the 21st century—an elite left-handed batsman, a trailblazer for diversity, and a relentless competitor on the world stage. Born in Pakistan, raised in Australia, and now retiring from international cricket, Khawaja’s journey through adversity and achievement is both inspiring and historic. In this in-depth biography, we’ll explore everything from his early life and family to his remarkable career stats and recent retirement announcement.
Early Life and Background
Usman Khawaja was born on 18 December 1986 in Islamabad, Pakistan. His full name is Usman Tariq Khawaja and he is currently 39 years old (as of January 2026).
Khawaja moved with his family to New South Wales, Australia when he was four years old, settling in Sydney and eventually representing his adopted nation at the highest levels of cricket—a feat that would shape his identity and legacy.
Growing up in Sydney, Khawaja displayed leadership and academic prowess alongside his sporting talent. Remarkably, he pursued aviation studies and earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation from the University of New South Wales, becoming a qualified commercial and instrument-rated pilot—even before launching his professional cricket career.
Family Roots
Khawaja comes from a close-knit family. His father, Tariq Khawaja, and mother, Fozia Tariq, supported the family’s migration to Australia. He also has two brothers, Nauman Khawaja and Arsalan Khawaja.
His upbringing was shaped by both the challenges of adapting to a new culture and the opportunities available in Australia. These formative experiences shaped his resilience and character, qualities that became hallmarks of his cricketing career.
Personal Life: Wife and Children
Usman Khawaja’s personal life has been a significant and supportive part of his journey.
Relationship and Marriage
Khawaja married his long-time partner Rachel McLellan on 6 April 2018 after getting engaged in December 2016.
Rachel converted to Islam prior to their marriage—a personal and meaningful decision made out of love and respect, not obligation.
Rachel is an accomplished professional in her own right, with a background in business development and sports journalism, including work as a reporter for 7 Cricket. She holds dual citizenship in Australia and New Zealand and graduated from the University of New South Wales with a marketing degree.
Children and Family Life
The couple shares a growing family with two daughters, Aisha and Ayla, and are expecting their third child.
Khawaja has often spoken fondly about the support and grounding his family gives him—something that has been especially important throughout his cricketing career, the pressures of high-performance sport, and even his recent retirement decision.
Usman Khawaja’s Cricket Career: Early Beginnings and Rise
Usman Khawaja’s cricket career began in earnest in domestic Australian cricket. He made his first-class debut for New South Wales in 2008 and quickly began attracting attention for his elegant left-hand batting style.
International Debut
Khawaja made his Test debut for Australia in January 2011 during the Ashes series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)—a historic milestone as he became the first Australia Test cricketer born in Pakistan and the first Muslim to represent the country at Test level.
He has also played limited-overs cricket, though his focus and greatest impact have been in the longer format of the game.
Career Highlights and Statistics
Throughout his distinguished career, Khawaja established himself as one of Australia’s most reliable and technically proficient batsmen. He was known for his classy strokeplay, calm temperament, and ability to score big innings under pressure.
| Format | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
| Tests | 87 | 157 | 6206 | 232 | 43.39 | 48.86 | 16 | 28 | 661 | 28 |
| ODIs | 40 | 39 | 1554 | 104 | 42.00 | 84.09 | 2 | 12 | 150 | 13 |
| T20Is | 9 | 9 | 241 | 58 | 26.77 | 132.41 | 0 | 1 | 31 | 5 |
| First-Class (FC) | 225 | 390 | 15477 | 232 | 43.84 | 50.41 | 43 | 74 | 1825 | 85 |
| List A | 133 | 130 | 5494 | 166 | 45.03 | 85.09 | 14 | 32 | 561 | 63 |
| T20s | 118 | 117 | 3292 | 109* | 30.20 | 130.84 | 3 | 16 | 404 | 51 |
Domestic and League Cricket
Khawaja has had success in domestic tournaments like Australia’s Big Bash League, where he represented and captained the Brisbane Heat. He has also played county cricket in England and featured briefly in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Playing Style and Legacy
Khawaja’s batting style was admired for its classical technique and elegance. He was particularly strong on the back foot and adept at pacing an innings—qualities that allowed him to succeed in different conditions around the world.
Beyond statistics, Khawaja’s legacy lies in his role as a “standard-bearer for diversity in Australian cricket.” His presence in the national team challenged stereotypes and provided representation for players from multicultural backgrounds.
He was a pivotal figure during Australia’s 2021–2023 ICC World Test Championship campaign, finishing as one of the top run-scorers.
Usman Khawaja Retirement Announcement
In early January 2026, Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket, confirming that the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground will be his final appearance.
Khawaja retired at age 39 after a remarkable 87-Test career, leaving as one of Australia’s most respected and accomplished batters.
In his retirement announcement, he spoke candidly about both the triumphs and challenges of his career—including experiences with racial stereotyping and media criticism—while expressing a hope that his journey will inspire future generations of cricketers who feel different or marginalized.
Off the Field: Personality and Interests
Usman Khawaja is not only known for his cricketing prowess but also for his diverse interests and personality traits.
Academic Achievement and Pilot Training
Before cementing his place in Test cricket, Khawaja completed significant academic milestones in aviation, earning commercial and instrument flight qualifications that underscore his multifaceted talents.
Personal Traits
Khawaja has shared anecdotes about his laid-back demeanor—highlighting that he often prefers “going with the flow” rather than strict planning—a trait that, humorously, his wife Rachel once jokingly said she “hates.”
His sense of humor, grounded personality, and thoughtful perspectives on sport and identity made him a respected figure among fans and peers alike.
Philanthropy and Future Plans
Even as he steps away from international cricket, Khawaja’s contributions off the field continue to matter. He has been vocal on social issues and has expressed intentions to remain involved in cricket as a commentator and mentor, as well as continuing community initiatives to support young cricketers from diverse backgrounds.
His retirement will also allow him to spend more time with family and pursue new ventures—both personal and professional.
Impact and Influence
Usman Khawaja’s story is more than cricket stats. It is about breaking barriers and shaping the narrative for multicultural athletes in Australia. He became a symbol of possibility for players of all backgrounds, proving that talent paired with resilience can transcend expectations.
His legacy will be remembered not only for runs scored but for social impact and cultural significance—an ambassador for inclusion and perseverance in sport.
Career Summary
| Category | Detail |
| Full Name | Usman Tariq Khawaja |
| Born | 18 Dec 1986, Islamabad, Pakistan |
| Age at Retirement | 39 |
| Nationality | Australian (also Pakistani heritage) |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Primary Role | Batter |
| International Debut | 2011 (Test) |
| Test Runs | 6,206+ |
| Centuries | 16 |
| Retirement | Announced Jan 2026 |
| Wife | Rachel Khawaja |
| Children | Two daughters, expecting third |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Aviation |
| Notable | First Pakistan-born Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia |
Final Thoughts
Usman Khawaja’s journey from a young immigrant in Sydney to one of Australia’s most admired cricketers is a compelling tale of courage, talent, and endurance. His commitment to excellence—on and off the field—sets a standard for aspiring players and inspires countless fans around the world.
As he transitions into retirement, Khawaja’s legacy is secure: not only for his runs and records but for the doors he opened and the hearts he inspired.
FAQs
How old is Usman Khawaja and when did he retire from international cricket?
Usman Khawaja is 39 years old and recently announced his retirement from international cricket, with his final Test being the fifth Ashes match at the Sydney Cricket Ground in early 2026. His decision marks the end of a long and successful international career.
Where was Usman Khawaja born and what is his background?
Usman Khawaja was born in Islamabad, Pakistan, and moved to Sydney, Australia at a young age. He went on to become the first Pakistan-born and first Muslim player to represent Australia in Test cricket, breaking barriers and inspiring many.
Who is Usman Khawaja’s wife and does he have children?
Usman Khawaja is married to Rachel Khawaja, and the couple has two daughters together. They have shared special cricketing moments as a family, including celebrating his highest Test score together during a series against Sri Lanka.
What were some of Usman Khawaja’s career highlights and stats?
In his illustrious Test career, Khawaja scored over 6,200 runs at an average above 43, including 16 centuries. He also made history with notable innings such as a career-best 232 runs in Test cricket and has been a pivotal part of Australia’s batting lineup for more than a decade.
Why is Usman Khawaja’s career significant beyond cricket?
Khawaja’s impact goes beyond runs and centuries—he became a symbol of multicultural representation in Australian cricket, particularly as a Muslim and immigrant playing at the sport’s highest level. He has openly discussed facing and challenging racial stereotyping throughout his career.
What are Usman Khawaja’s plans after retirement?
Although Khawaja has retired from international cricket, he has hinted at staying involved in the game, including potential roles in commentary, mentoring young players, and continuing community work—all while spending more time with his family.
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