An emotional Usman Khawaja has expressed his disappointment over accusations that he deliberately opted out of a Sheffield Shield game. Khawaja, who missed Queensland’s recent match against South Australia, insisted that both Queensland Cricket (QC) and Cricket Australia (CA) were fully aware of his hamstring injury. Despite the controversy, he confirmed that he will play in the Sheffield Shield final against South Australia in Adelaide next week.
Khawaja addressed the media in a 17-minute press conference before Queensland’s training session in Brisbane, offering a passionate defense against allegations made by Queensland Cricket general manager Joe Dawes and board member Ian Healy.
Khawaja Denies Queensland’s Claims
Earlier, Joe Dawes claimed that Queensland Cricket’s medical staff were unaware of any hamstring issues and expressed disappointment at Khawaja’s absence. Ian Healy echoed these sentiments on his SEN radio show, criticizing what he described as Khawaja’s “pick-and-choose mentality” in his later career.
Khawaja refuted these claims, stating, “There’s a lot of misinformation being thrown around.” He explained that his injury was documented on the Athlete Management System (AMS) and that Australia’s team physio and Queensland’s medical staff were aware of his condition.
“The physios 100% knew about my hammy injury,” Khawaja asserted. “I talked to both our physios, the Australian physio—everything was reported. That was the most shocking and disappointing thing to hear.”
Managing Injuries and Workload
The 38-year-old revealed that after returning from Sri Lanka, he was managing multiple injuries, including a hamstring impingement, a torn rotator cuff, and a calf strain, which surfaced during his 232 not out in Galle.
He emphasized that his workload was carefully planned in consultation with Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey, allowing him to play against Tasmania while skipping the next game to prepare for the Shield final.
“I’m 38 years old, guys. I can’t burn the candle at both ends,” Khawaja said, explaining the need to manage his fitness ahead of Australia’s World Test Championship (WTC) final in June.
He also mentioned that he had informed Queensland coach Johan Botha about his injury but received no response. “I texted Botha to let him know, but I didn’t get a reply,” he said.
Formula One Appearance Sparks Criticism
Khawaja’s attendance at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix while missing the Shield match added to the controversy. However, he defended his decision, stating that he continued to follow his rehabilitation routine while in Melbourne.
“I still did three gym sessions while I was away,” Khawaja said. “I talked to [Australia coach] Andrew McDonald, and he had no issues with how I spent my spare time.”
He acknowledged the optics might look bad but insisted he remains committed and professional. “I understand people don’t have all the facts, but I work hard behind the scenes, which is why I’m still playing at 38.”
Focus on the Sheffield Shield Final
Despite the public backlash, Khawaja remains focused on the Sheffield Shield final. He confirmed that his hamstring is improving and that he is willing to push his body for the championship match, knowing he has a 10-week break before the WTC final.
“Hammy is feeling pretty good,” he said. “I’ll push myself for the Shield final, but it was too risky to play the previous game.”
Khawaja emphasized that he holds no grudges and remains committed to Queensland Cricket. “I’m always happy to do what’s best for Queensland Cricket,” he concluded.
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