Usman Khawaja has confirmed that he will retire from international cricket following the fifth and final Ashes Test against England, set to begin in Sydney on Sunday. The announcement brings an end to a 15-year international career that reshaped Australian cricket and representation within the sport.

The 39-year-old left-hander, who immigrated to Australia from Islamabad as a child, will play his final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground if selected — the same venue where he made his Test debut in 2011 against England. It would mark his 88th Test appearance for Australia.

Reflecting on his journey, Khawaja spoke emotionally about his identity and the challenges he faced throughout his career. He described himself as a “proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan” who was once told he would never represent Australia, adding that his story should inspire others to believe in themselves.

Khawaja became Australia’s first Pakistan-born and first Muslim Test cricketer, and at one stage was the only Asian first-class player in the country. His presence is widely credited with opening doors for greater diversity in Australian cricket.

Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg praised Khawaja’s impact, highlighting both his on-field achievements and his off-field work through the Usman Khawaja Foundation, which supports youths from refugee, immigrant, Indigenous, and disadvantaged backgrounds.

On the field, Khawaja scored 6,206 Test runs at an average of 43.39, including 16 centuries. His career-best 232 against Sri Lanka came just a year ago. He also represented Australia in 40 ODIs and nine T20 internationals.

The current Ashes series proved turbulent for the veteran batter. After injuring his back in the opening Test in Perth, Khawaja faced criticism over his fitness and commitment. He was dropped and recalled during the series, experiences he said were deeply frustrating.

Khawaja expressed disappointment at what he described as racial stereotyping, stating that criticism from media and former players went beyond cricketing performance. Despite this, he said he was grateful to retire on his own terms at a ground he loves.

He admitted that being initially left out of the Adelaide Test was a clear sign that it was time to move on, closing the chapter on a trailblazing career in Australian cricket.