The announcement of Australian opener Usman Khawaja to retire out of Test cricket has elicited strong responses in the cricketing world. In a press conference on Friday, Khawaja declared the impending Test match in Sydney which opens on Sunday as his last Test. His remarks regarding racial discrimination issues in Australian cricket have caused new controversy and criticism of Cricket Australia.
Monty Panesar, who used to be an England spinner, has now aired his opinions about the issue. Talking to IANS, Panesar believed that he had never been racially discriminated in his international cricket career. He also mentioned that he never felt alone due to his teammates and England and Wales Cricket Board. Panesar, the man with 50 Test matches in England, claimed that the atmosphere surrounding him was welcoming and respectful.
Khawaja is Pakistani born and eventually relocated to Australia and was speaking emotionally in announcing his retirement. He explained that being a representative of Australia was a very big deal but he at times felt out of place in the system. Khawaja termed himself as a Black cricketer and explained that, some events made him feel isolated even when playing in what he believes to be one of the best national teams in the whole world.
The old ex-opener was also talking of the uncomplimentary remarks that were directed at him before the Perth Test. Media and former players targeted him when reports that he spent three days playing golf before the match surfaced. Khawaja said he had got back spasms, which subsequently compelled him to miss opening the batting in either of the two innings of the Test.
Khawaja, the criticism lasted a few days and was beyond a reasonable analysis. He mentioned that the attacks took him back to the racially biased attitude he had experienced as a child and that this attitude is still present in the sport. Khawaja argued that he had never seen any other Australian cricketer being treated in such manner more so by those who were castigating him publicly on his dedication and professionalism.
The comments, by Khawaja, have made the broader discussion on race, media scrutiny, and treatment of players in Australian cricket and the response by Panesar has brought about the different experiences in various cricketing systems.
