Usman Khawaja and Ian Healy have resolved an explosive feud stemming from a 2024 dispute over a missed Sheffield Shield match, even as revelations in Khawaja’s new memoir Sabr continue to ignite intense debate across Australian cricket.
Khawaja's Retirement and Scrutiny of Past Dressing-Room Friction
- Khawaja’s retirement from state cricket earlier this year marks the end of an era for Queensland after 64 first-class matches and 4,317 runs at an average of 45.44.
- The public airing of past dressing-room friction shifts focus directly onto Test captain Pat Cummins and Steve Smith as historical scrutiny over the 2018 Cape Town incident continues.
Khawaja Skipped Sheffield Shield Fixture for Grand Prix
The friction between the two Queensland greats broke into the open when Khawaja used his autobiography to address fierce criticism from Healy. The trouble began in 2024 when the now 39-year-old batter skipped a Sheffield Shield fixture for Queensland to attend the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne instead.
“I didn’t know he was going to the Grand Prix and neither did his team,” Healy said on SENQ Breakfast.
Healy added that Khawaja did not inform the dressing room why he was sitting out the fixture. According to the former wicketkeeper, medical staff tested Khawaja structurally and functionally, concluding there was no hamstring injury and that he was clear to play.
“And then they said ‘Let’s get it scanned this afternoon’ and he refused to get it scanned,” Healy told SENQ Breakfast.
The deputy chair of Queensland Cricket argued that the player’s choice showed a lack of support for the side. In response, Nine.com.au said that Khawaja previously led the Bulls to Sheffield Shield glory in the 2020–21 season during a red-ball career that included 55 one-day games yielding 2,634 runs at 50.65.
Feud Settled Before Publication
Despite the sharp exchange on morning radio, Healy was quick to clarify that the personal dispute had already been put to rest. The former Australia ODI captain confirmed that the two men sorted out their differences a year prior to the book’s release.
“Well, it’s erupted, my feud with Uzzie,” Healy told SENQ Breakfast. “It’s erupted. It was two years ago, but it’s erupted and it was sorted one year ago. We sorted it out, and we’re all good, but no, it’s made the paper; it’s page nine.”
| Player | First-Class Matches | Runs Scored | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usman Khawaja (QLD) | 64 | 4,317 | 45.44 |
Calls for Steve Smith to Clarify 2018 History
Healy believes the public needs to hear directly from former captain Steve Smith to establish a definitive timeline of events. He suggested that Smith would reiterate that he took responsibility because the incident occurred under his watch.
“That needs to probably be settled a little more, clearly,” Healy said on SENQ Breakfast, adding that Cricket Australia may need to shed more light on the initial inquiry.
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