"That's completely false" – An emotional Khawaja asserts Queensland was fully aware of his injury

"That is completely false" – Emotional Khawaja defends injury absence, says Queensland was informed

Usman Khawaja has passionately defended himself against criticism for missing Queensland’s recent Sheffield Shield match, insisting both Queensland Cricket and Cricket Australia were fully informed about his hamstring injury. Speaking ahead of the Shield final, the veteran batter said he was "disappointed and devastated" by suggestions that he had opted out of the game without proper reason.

Khawaja is set to play in next week’s final against South Australia in Adelaide, but took time to set the record straight in a candid 17-minute press conference in Brisbane on Friday. His comments came in response to Queensland Cricket general manager Joe Dawes’ earlier claim that Khawaja had no reported hamstring concerns, adding it was “disappointing he didn’t play when he had the chance.”

Queensland Cricket board member Ian Healy had also weighed in critically, saying on SEN radio that Khawaja exhibited a “pick and choose mentality” in recent years, which hadn’t sat well with the team.

“There’s a lot of misinformation out there,” Khawaja said. “I tried to handle this quietly and professionally, but after Joe Dawes’ inflammatory comments, I felt I had to speak up. Joey said the medical team knew nothing — that is 100% wrong. I spoke to both our physios, the Australian physio, and everything was recorded in the athlete management system (AMS). The injury was documented and known.”

Khawaja, 38, revealed that after returning from Sri Lanka, he was managing a hamstring impingement, a torn rotator cuff, and a calf niggle sustained during his 232* in Galle. He said Cricket Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey and team physio Nick Jones were both involved in the planning around his playing schedule.

“We decided I would play the Tasmania match, then rest to be ready for the Shield final,” Khawaja said. “At 38, I can’t burn the candle at both ends. I texted Queensland coach Johan Botha to inform him, but didn’t get a response.”

He also mentioned undergoing a fitness test before the Tasmania game, where he could only run at 70%, and confirmed that both Bailey and Jones supported his decision to sit out the following match.

The controversy escalated when Khawaja was seen attending the Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne, prompting further criticism. He addressed that too, saying, “I understand how it might have looked, but I was still doing my rehab, training, and gym sessions while I was there. I even spoke to Andrew McDonald and he had no issue with it.”

Khawaja expressed particular hurt over claims that he didn’t want to play for Queensland.

“To suggest I didn’t want to play is the most disheartening part,” he said, visibly emotional. “I’ve given my heart and soul to this team. I care deeply about Queensland Cricket. That’s why the lack of communication and public criticism really hurt.”

He clarified that he did not undergo a scan but was managing the injury carefully with the physio team. With a 10-week break ahead of the World Test Championship final, he’s now preparing to give his all in the Shield final.

“My hammy’s feeling good now. I’ve increased my workload, and I’ll do some running over the next couple of days. If I feel anything like I did before Tasmania, I’ll still push to play, because I want to be out there for the final.”

Despite the controversy, Khawaja said he holds no grudges.

“I’ll always do what’s best for Queensland cricket. That hasn’t changed.”

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