Usman Khawaja has made the “toughest call” of his career, successfully requesting a release from the remainder of his contract with the Sydney Thunder.
Brisbane-based Khawaja had been contracted with the Thunder for next summer’s Big Bash League tournament, but with a second child on the way, he said remaining close to family was his top priority.
Khawaja has been on the Thunder’s books since the first Big Bash League tournament in the summer of 2011/12 and served as the side’s captain in BBL|11 when he returned from Ashes duty.
The 35-year-old, who will travel to Pakistan with the Australian Test team in the coming days, said he was shattered to be leaving the Thunder.
“I hate talking about the decision I’ve made,” said Khawaja.
“It’s the toughest call I’ve made as a cricketer because Sydney Thunder, the players, the coaching and support staff and the club’s supporters mean so much to me.
“However, it is for family reasons, and while I’m leaving, people who know me realise a big part of my heart will always remain with the Thunder.
“I don’t want people to think I’ve cut my ties with Sydney Thunder because I’ll always care about the club; the players, the entire organisation.
“A part of that is because I believe I helped shape Thunder from the start. In many ways Sydney Thunder is, to me, like a baby I’ve watched grow and develop.”
A source at the Thunder said the club was unaware whether Khawaja would seek a contract at the Brisbane Heat for BBL|12.
The BBL is currently in an embargo period, meaning clubs are not yet permitted to negotiate with rival players as the dust settles on BBL|11.
Michael Klinger, Cricket NSW’s head of male cricket, said the Thunder was sad to say goodbye to one of its favourite sons.
“It’s disappointing because Usman is such a well-respected member of Thunder,” said Klinger.
“Sydney Thunder and CNSW definitely wanted him to stay, and we offered a highly competitive contract.
“However, we appreciate Usman’s decision has been made for his family, and we respect and support that.
“Usman leaves Sydney Thunder with our best wishes for the future. He’s a foundation player who leaves a legacy as a great competitor and player, a strong leader and someone who actively helped Thunder become the club he always believed it could be.”
Khawaja made a swashbuckling return to the Australian side in the fourth Ashes Test after Travis Head was struck down with Covid-19.
He was named player of the match after hitting two centuries at the SCG and was moved to the top of the order for the final Ashes Test.
Earlier in the week, interim Australian head coach Andrew McDonald said Khawaja was “a fair chance” to retain his spot opening the batting for the first Test of the series against Pakixjmtzywstan.
The tour, Australia’s first to the country since 1998, could well turn out to be a career milestone for the Pakistan-born Khawaja.
Khawaja thanked the Thunder’s fans for their support during his time at the club.
“I’ve said for a long time that from what I’ve seen, Sydney Thunder has the greatest supporters because even in those first few years where we struggled, we had crowds packed into the ground supporting us and giving us love,” he said.
“I don’t think any team has a fan base that is so loyal, and the players know that … I thank them all for everything because they brought so much to the experience.”
