Usman Khawaja Reveals Bombshell Diagnosis He Kept Secret Throughout His Cricket Career
- The former Australian batter faced a frightening health battle while competing at the highest level of international cricket
- Khawaja kept his diagnosis private, with only a small circle of people around the Australian team aware of his condition
- His experience has prompted him to share a message of hope with others living with chronic illness
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Source: Getty Images
Former Australia opener Usman Khawaja has spoken about a long-running battle with rheumatoid arthritis that he kept hidden from the public during his international cricket career. The illness became so severe at one point that he feared he might die.
The 39-year-old shared his experience months after stepping away from international cricket in January 2026. Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) for Australian Story, Khawaja recalled receiving the diagnosis at just 22, when his health deteriorated dramatically.
He also recounts the personal struggle in his upcoming autobiography, Sabr, which is scheduled for release on 10 November 2026.
Usman Khawaja feared the worst after his diagnosis
Khawaja described the severity of his condition when speaking to the ABC. He said:
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“I genuinely thought I was going to die.”
The former opening batter explained that his health deteriorated to the point where he struggled to walk short distances.
“I went from this athlete who was playing professional cricket to not being able to walk 10 metres to the bathroom,” he said, according to sen.com.au.
Khawaja kept the diagnosis private throughout his playing career. Only medical staff and coaching staff knew about the condition.
How rheumatoid arthritis affected his cricket career
The Australian cricket star credited regular injections with helping him continue playing professionally despite the illness.
In Sabr, he described the treatment as a “god-send”, explaining its importance to his future.
“Without that drug I would never have played cricket ever again or even lived a normal life again,” he wrote.
Khawaja scored 6,229 Test runs, including 16 centuries, across 88 matches for Australia. His career continued despite the health challenges he faced away from public view.
Source: Getty Images
Khawaja hopes his story will inspire others
The former batter hopes sharing his experience will encourage people living with chronic illnesses to pursue their ambitions.
“If a person can play at the top level … as a professional cricketer with rheumatoid arthritis, then I think a lot of other people can achieve a lot, too,” he wrote.
His disclosure adds another dimension to his cricketing legacy, highlighting the personal challenges behind his achievements. His autobiography will offer readers further insight into his journey.
Australia face selection dilemma ahead of decisive South Africa Test
Briefly News previously reported that Australia were considering major changes after suffering an innings-and-31-run defeat to South Africa in the second Test at St George’s Park on Thursday, 22 October 2026.
Captain Pat Cummins acknowledged that Australia needed to improve before the series decider in Cape Town. Several players were facing selection pressure, while the potential return of Cameron Green and Josh Inglis offered fresh options.
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Source: Briefly News
