Usman Khawaja hits back at Queensland Cricket boss Joe Dawes for questioning his injury ahead of 2025 Sheffield Shield final
“That’s probably one of the most shocking things I’ve heard said. That’s really disappointing because it’s categorically untrue. I just want to clear that up. The physio 100 per cent knew about my hammy injury.”
Dawes declined to comment when approached for a response on Friday.
Khawaja took a thinly veiled swipe at Healy, deputy chair of QC, for publicly questioning his commitment to Queensland.
“A board member started to attack me, which was really disappointing for me because I feel like the board has a responsibility to the organisation and the players,” Khawaja said.
Khawaja said he was not expecting an apology from Dawes but would be prepared to discuss the matter with the cricket boss after the final.
“He’s best mates with Peter Dutton, and I’ve never seen Dutton given an apology in 20 years,” Khawaja said. “I’m not going to expect it. This is not about an apology at all. In all seriousness, I’m just here getting all the facts out.
“After this it will be about me concentrating, not holding any grudges. I’m in the middle of Ramadan right now. Islam’s very important to me. One of the things always is mending bridges. I’m never the kind of guy to hold grudges and to kick people out of my life, and I would never do that to anyone in Queensland Cricket.”
The matter blew up publicly on Wednesday when Dawes, in a press conference organised by QC, expressed his disappointment at Khawaja’s unavailability for the final Shield game of the regular season.
“That is my understanding from Cricket Australia staff as well – no hamstring issues as far as we are concerned,” Dawes said.
Loading
“I go off our medical staff and there is no reason why he could not have played the last game.
“It’s just disappointing he didn’t play a game for Queensland when he had an opportunity to.
“I have got a bunch of blokes here that all want to play. I think we are disappointed he did not play the game against South Australia.
“Hopefully he will make that decision to make himself available for next week (for the final), and we will make that decision (selecting the team) on Friday.”
Khawaja is expected to be named in Queensland’s squad for the final to be announced later on Friday.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
