Queensland to conduct crisis talks with Usman Khawaja as they attempt to keep star batsman

Usman Khawaja’s future with Queensland rests on delicate talks needed to placate deep-seated wounds after a public showdown erupted in the lead-up to the Sheffield Shield final.

Queensland Cricket will conduct urgent talks to salvage Usman Khawaja’s future with the Bulls after his explosive public showdown with Joe Dawes.

Asked at Cricket Australia’s summer schedule launch whether he could see Khawaja playing for the Bulls again, Queensland Cricket boss Terry Svenson said “I hope so’’ and called the fallout “regrettable’’.

But nothing is certain until Svenson has discussions with Dawes – Queensland’s head of elite cricket – and Test opener Khawaja.

It is understood Dawes and Khawaja have not spoken for a month after controversial public comments from the official.

Usman Khawaja’s relationship with Queensland Cricket has deteriorated. Picture: Tertius Pickard

So Queensland’s options are to have the duo wave the olive branch or put in place a system where they don’t have to deal with each other.

The later option would normally be untenable but as next season could be Khawaja’s last and he may only play a handful of games for the Bulls and Brisbane Heat, it might be manageable for the duo to go their separate ways in the same system.

Dawes made national headlines when he spoke out about his disappointment about Khawaja attending the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne after missing the Bulls last Sheffield Shield game against South Australia.

Usman Khawaja and wife Rachel pose for a photo in the Paddock prior to the F1 Grand Prix. Picture: Getty

It was a complex issue because Dawes said he allegedly had no knowledge of Khawaja having a hamstring niggle which, Queensland Cricket later confirmed, Khawaja had reported to medical staff. Khawaja called Dawes claims “categorically untrue’’.

“Look those comments that were made in the media were certainly regrettable,’’ Svenson said.

“I would have liked to have seen them stay behind closed doors. Now that we are through the final I plan to sit down with them over the coming period and work through any differences they may have.

“Usman’s been wonderful for many years for us in Queensland and I would expect to see him in Maroon this season.

“Any relationship is likely to have its challenges and we are certainly not immune to that. They are two strong willed players. They’re lovers of Queensland cricket. That passion channelled in the right areas and we will be bigger and better next year.’’

Originally published as Queensland to conduct crisis talks with Usman Khawaja as they attempt to keep star batsman