Usman Khawaja set for Fox Cricket role and keeps political future open after meeting with PM

Usman Khawaja, the veteran Australia Test opener, has secured a high-profile television role with Fox Cricket to follow his playing career and said he has not ruled out a move into politics after a recent meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Khawaja, 38, is expected to open the batting for Australia in the upcoming Ashes series against England and will transition into commentary when he retires, joining a Fox Cricket lineup that includes Adam Gilchrist, Mark Waugh, David Warner and Brett Lee. He told reporters he met one-on-one with Albanese and raised humanitarian concerns about Gaza during their conversation.

Khawaja said the meeting with the prime minister included discussion of the plight of Palestinian civilians and the deaths of children in Gaza. "They are just kids. One death is one too many. The loss of each is equal," he said. Khawaja called for increased sanctions on Israel and for greater humanitarian aid to Gaza, and contrasted what he described as larger aid packages elsewhere, saying, "Yet the government has given $1billion in aid to Ukraine, and $130million to the people of Gaza."

Born in Pakistan and raised in western Sydney, Khawaja has spoken often about his experiences of discrimination and his commitment to a multicultural Australia. He said his background has shaped his views and his desire to speak on global humanitarian issues. Khawaja, who is a father to daughters Ayla and Aisha, said family considerations would play into any future decision to enter public office.

Khawaja acknowledged that sport and politics are frequently kept separate, but said he knows many politicians through cricket and would not close the door on a political career. "Whether I would do anything (in politics) after my career... I would never say no, but I am not really sure. I don't say yes either. I have a young family and other things happening in my life," he said, adding that he preferred not to discuss the private details of his meeting with the prime minister.

The first Ashes Test is scheduled to begin in Perth on November 21. Khawaja's announcement secures a media pathway commonly followed by former international cricketers and places him among several recent players who have moved into broadcasting roles after retirement. His comments on Gaza and potential future in politics place him among a growing number of athletes who have publicly engaged with international humanitarian and political issues while still active in sport.