Australia’s first Muslim cricketer, Usman Khawaja, has announced his retirement from international cricket.

Khawaja said he will conclude his career after the fifth and final Ashes Test against England.

The match will be his 88th Test, marking the end of a remarkable career.

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Australia in so many matches.

The 39-year-old, who migrated from Pakistan, described himself as a proud Muslim and said his journey serves as an example for others.

Khawaja made his Test debut for Australia in 2011 and scored over 6,000 runs during a 15-year career.

According to Cricket Australia, he also established a significant legacy off the field through the Usman Khawaja Foundation.

He received the ICC Test Cricketer and Shane Warne Test Cricketer of the Year awards in 2023 and was part of the Australian team that won the ICC Test Championship the same year.

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg praised Khawaja’s outstanding contribution to Australian cricket, highlighting his positive impact through the foundation and his stylish and accomplished batting.

Khawaja has played 87 Tests, 40 One-Day Internationals, and 9 T20 Internationals.

The final Ashes Test will begin on 4 January at Sydney Cricket Ground.