Rachel Khawaja opens up on life after cricket

With Usman Khawaja hinting at retirement, Rachel reveals why the Aussie cricket icon could soon be even busier.

Rachel Khawaja with kids Aisha and Ayla at the Gabba ahead of the Third test between Australia and India. Picture: Lachie Millard

With the Ashes next year potentially marking the end of Usman Khawaja’s cricketing career, the Australian batting great is beginning to hint at retirement.

However, his wife Rachel insists the cricket star has no intention of slowing down anytime soon — on or off the pitch.

“The end is closer than the beginning, for sure,” she said, reflecting on his professional cricket career.

“It’s not a conversation that we’ve really ever had, but he’s just taking every game as it comes, focusing on performing for the team and winning games for Australia.”

Rachel revealed that while retirement was once a daunting prospect for Usman, his preparation for life beyond cricket has eased any anxieties.

“Five years ago, it was a touchy topic,” she said.

Usman Khawaja bats during an Australia Men's Test Squad training session at The Gabba. Photo: Bradley Kanaris – Getty Images.

“But now, with his foundation work, his Fox Sports contract, and his MBA at Bond University, he’s ticking all the boxes. I genuinely think he’s going to be busier after cricket than he is now.

“He’s a great batsman, don’t get me wrong, but he’s an even better person, and I think he’ll do really great things after cricket, whatever he chooses to do.”

The Khawajas are no strangers to balancing a packed schedule, especially during cricket’s busiest season over Christmas.

“I try not to burden Uzzie with the nitty-gritty stuff,” Rachel said.

“I take on a lot of that load, which is probably why the last few weeks have been a little stressful. But I think we’re lucky that we’re this busy, and it’s such a privilege to still see him playing for his country at nearly 38 years old.”

Usman and Rachel Khawaja with their two daughters. Picture: Instagram

Rachel, who recently joined Channel 7 as a cricket reporter, is also navigating a new career while raising the couple’s daughters, Aisha, 4, and Ayla, 2.

“We’ve been really lucky with Uzzie and I both having really helpful parents on both sides,” she said.

“Without them, it would’ve been a real struggle, but having the family has made it possible and enjoyable.”

The couple’s daughters are already engaged in their father’s cricket journey.

“The other morning, I heard Aisha asking Usman, ‘Did you get out in cricket, Daddy?’” Rachel said.

“It’s adorable seeing them take an interest.”

As the Khawajas prepare for a summer of cricket and Christmas chaos, Rachel is embracing the challenges and memories.

“It’s chaos, but it’s fun,” she said.

“These moments won’t last forever, so we’re making the most of every minute.”