Khawaja refutes claims of injury concealment ahead of Shield final
What's the story
Usman Khawaja has vehemently denied allegations that he skipped a Sheffield Shield match to attend the Australian Formula One Grand Prix.
The Queensland cricketer claims that both Queensland Cricket and Cricket Australia were aware of his hamstring injury.
He added that no one from Queensland had reached out to him regarding his absence, despite confirming his participation in next week's Shield final against South Australia in Adelaide.
Here's more.
Response
Khawaja defends his actions amid criticism
Khawaja's defense comes after Queensland Cricket general manager Joe Dawes claimed on Wednesday that Khawaja didn't have any hamstring issues that they were aware of.
Dawes expressed disappointment over Khawaja's non-participation in a game for Queensland when he had an opportunity to.
Additionally, Ian Healy, a board member of Queensland Cricket, criticized Khawaja's "pick and choose mentality" on his SEN radio show.
"It's just this pick and choose mentality that has been evident in his later years," Healy stated.
Clarification
Khawaja clarifies his situation
In a passionate defense, Khawaja refuted the claims made by Queensland Cricket.
"There's a lot of misinformation being thrown around...Joe Dawes came out the other day and said a few inflammatory things, which was really disappointing to me as a player," the batter said according to ESPNcricinfo.
The 38-year-old cricketer confirmed that both Queensland and Australian physiotherapists were aware of his hamstring injury.
"Joey said that the medical staff had no idea. That is 100% wrong," he added.
Injury details
Khawaja shares his injury history
Khawaja revealed that after returning from Sri Lanka, he had to deal with a hamstring impingement, a torn rotator cuff, and a calf niggle.
He had picked up these injuries during his 232 in the first Test in Galle.
He was disappointed over the allegations of not wanting to play for Queensland after all he has given to the team.
"That was probably one of the most shocking things I heard. It was disappointing," he stated in disappointment.
Future plans
Khawaja outlines his plan with selectors
After speaking to Australia's chairman of selectors George Bailey, a plan was made for the end of the Shield season.
Khawaja would get all of April and May off before the World Test Championship final.
"We came up with a plan that I would play Tasmania and I would take the next game off," Khawaja said, stressing that these plans are subject to change.
Commitment
Khawaja insists on his commitment to Queensland
Khawaja is ready to push his hamstring for the Shield final, considering he has a 10-week break before the WTC final in June.
"I'm not the guy who hold grudges," Khawaja said. "I'm happy to do what's best for Queensland cricket always."
Despite the ongoing tensions between him and Queensland Cricket, his commitment remains unwavering.
"And obviously, if everything's going well, yeah, I should be fine. I'm still willing to push for the Shield final," he further added.
Numbers
Khawaja's Test and FC numbers at a glance
The Aussie opener has amassed 5,930 runs across 80 Tests at an average of 45.61.
He also boasts 16 tons and 27 fifties, alongside a high score of 232, which he smashed against Sri Lanka in 2025.
According to ESPNcricinfo, he now owns 14,976 FC runs across 214 matches at an average of 44.83.
In 371 innings he has smashed 43 hundreds and 71 fifties while his 232 for Australia remains his highest FC score.