One of the Big Bash League (BBL) clubs Sydney Thunder’s foundation players Usman Khawaja has decided to part ways with the club. Sydney Thunder announced on Friday, February 25, that they have granted him the approval for the same.
Khawaja made the decision citing family reasons and called it the “toughest decision” he has ever taken as a cricketer. The Brisbane-based 35-year-old was contracted with the BBL club until the end of next year. However, he has chosen to remain with his family during that time since he and his wife Rachel are expecting their second child, due in April this year.
“I hate talking about the decision I’ve made… it’s the toughest call I’ve made as a cricketer because Sydney Thunder, the players, the coaching and support staff, and the club’s supporters mean so much to me,” said Khawaja.
“However, it is for family reasons, and while I’m leaving people who know me realise a big part of my heart will always remain with Thunder.
“I don’t want people to think I’ve cut my ties with Sydney Thunder because I’ll always care about the club; the players; the entire organisation.
“A part of that is because I believe I helped shape Thunder from the start. In many ways Sydney Thunder is, to me, like a baby I’ve watched grow and develop.”
Khawaja, who is Thunder’s all-time BBL leading runscorer with 1,818 runs and a career strikerate of 129.85, had been with the team from the outset of the BBL tournament.
Michael Klinger, Cricket NSW’s Head of Male Cricket, said Thunder had wanted to keep Khawaja at the club for a long-term.
“It’s disappointing because Usman is such a well-respected member of Thunder,” said Klinger.
“Sydney Thunder and CNSW definitely wanted him to stay, and we offered a highly competitive contract.
“However, we appreciate Usman’s decision has been made for his family, and we respect and support that.
“Usman leaves Sydney Thunder with our best wishes for the future. He’s a foundation player who leaves a legacy as a great competitor and player, a strong leader, and someone who actively helped Thunder become the club he always believed it could be.”
Follow MadOverCricket for the latest cricket news, cricket match updates, cricket match prediction, cricket series updates, and more!
