I was told I would not be able to play for Australia Usman Khawaja

I am a Pakistani Muslim, I was told I would not be able to play for Australia, Usman Khawaja
Pakistani-origin Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from international cricket.

Usman Khawaja's 15-year Test career was not limited to cricket, but he also emerged as a strong voice off the field.

39-year-old Usman Khawaja spoke openly about his career as well as issues of racial discrimination and identity in a long and emotional press conference.

Born in Pakistan, Usman Khawaja moved to Australia at the age of five and later became the first Muslim cricketer to represent the Australian national team.

He said that in the past he faced racial discrimination and had to try to hide his identity. He tried to make himself look like others to make a place in the cricket team, but despite this, he was repeatedly dropped from the team.

Usman Khawaja said that after moving to Queensland in 2012, he accepted his true personality, which also had a positive impact on his performance.

He said, "I am a proud Muslim, I belong to Pakistan. I was told that because I am a Muslim, I will not be able to play for Australia, but today I am sitting here."