Usman Khawaja reveals mother was abused at Boxing Day Test for wearing a hijab

Australian Test opener Usman Khawaja has revealed that his mother was subjected to Islamophobic abuse at last year’s Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and that he now takes extra precautions to protect his parents in public.

Khawaja disclosed the episode in a forward to the government report "A National Response to Islamophobia," which was released Friday. He wrote that two young men walked behind his mother and screamed obscenities into her ears because she was wearing a hijab, leaving her terrified and distressed. A security guard witnessed the incident, the men were detained and police were called.

Khawaja said his mother did not want to pursue the matter further and that the family kept the incident quiet, even from his teammates. "I was furious that someone treated my mum that way but I respected my mum's wishes and we kept it quiet and hidden even from my team-mates," he wrote. He added that his mother's response — a refusal to escalate the incident — was informed by her faith: "My mum's mercy was inspirational to see. Something she had learned from Islam, the religion of so‑called 'violence and hate.' But don't tell me Islamophobia doesn't exist."

The Pakistan-born batsman, who became the first Muslim to represent Australia in Test cricket, has faced abuse and controversy linked to his background and religion during his career. Khawaja has played more than 70 Test matches, scoring in excess of 5,000 runs at an average above 45 and including three Ashes centuries among his achievements. He has used his platform to speak about diversity and inclusion in Australian sport.

Khawaja described the extra, low-key measures he now takes to ensure his parents' safety when they are in public. "Many times, I purposely walk slightly behind my parents in case someone tries to do something out of hate, just so I can see and respond and defend them adequately," he wrote. He added that hijab-wearing women are particularly visible and therefore more likely to be targeted: "They literally wear their religion on their sleeves. As a Muslim man, no-one knows what I am ... but a Muslim woman who covers her hair is out there for the world to see; she can't hide and she automatically becomes a target for hate and prejudice."

Khawaja's disclosure comes as a government-appointed review on Islamophobia seeks first-hand testimony to inform proposals for a national response. The player framed his account as one example of wider anti-Muslim sentiment in society and urged recognition of its prevalence.

Cricket Australia and stadium security have previously faced scrutiny over crowd behaviour at major matches, and the MCG has long been a focus for event security planning. Khawaja said the quick response of a security guard in the Boxing Day incident led to the detainment of the men and police involvement, but he emphasised the personal toll of the episode on his family.

Khawaja is expected to play a prominent role for Australia when England tour for the Ashes this summer. He has continued to balance on-field responsibilities with public advocacy, speaking openly about the challenges he and his family have faced and calling for greater understanding and protection for minority communities in public life.

The player's contribution to the government report adds a high-profile voice to conversations about hate speech and safety at public events, and underscores calls from community groups and advocates for clearer strategies to combat Islamophobia nationwide.