The 38-year-old was not included in Queensland’s 14-man squad for their next Sheffield Shield match against table-toppers South Australia. A victory in this match would likely secure Queensland’s place in the final. Queensland Cricket confirmed that Khawaja was “unavailable for selection” for the match.
Usman Khawaja has been in excellent form. Khawaja scored 127 and 33* in the nine-wicket win over Tasmania. He also registered a career-best 232* during the Sri Lanka tour. However, he has chosen to fly from Brisbane to Melbourne to spend the weekend watching the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Usman Khawaja’s Decision to Skip Must-Win Match Described as Bizarre
Nine’s Tom Morris described Khawaja’s situation as “bizarre.” Morris further stated that Queensland Cricket revealed Khawaja has minor hamstring and ankle concerns after criticism.
Bizarre situation with Usman Khawaja, who has opted out of Queensland’s must-win Shield clash v South Australia.Initially QLD cricket didn’t specify why, except that he would travel to Melbourne for the F1 Grand Prix… Predictably this raised eyebrows. Today the news is he… t.co/uP7IWIXQeF
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) March 14, 2025
Usman Khawaja Managing Minor Ankle and Hamstring Issues
Usman Khawaja has been managing minor ankle and hamstring issues. Khawaja has occasionally sat out domestic games in the last two years, including missing a recent match against Western Australia at the Gabba.
South Australia will also be without Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Spencer Johnson, who have all departed for the IPL. However, Khawaja has no cricketing commitments during this period.
Queensland squad to face South Australia: Marnus Labuschagne (c), Jack Clayton, Lachlan Hearne, Angus Lovell, Ben McDermott, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Jackson Sinfield, Mark Steketee, Tom Straker, Mitchell Swepson, Callum Vidler, Jack Wildermuth.
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