Usman Khawaja hid rheumatoid arthritis through 88 Test matches
Usman Khawaja reveals he lived with rheumatoid arthritis through his 88-Test career. He kept the diagnosis secret since age 22.
Usman Khawaja retired from international cricket after the Ashes in January. Khawaja now reveals he lived with rheumatoid arthritis throughout his 88-Test career.
Khawaja was diagnosed at just 22. Khawaja told almost no one, not even close friends David Warner and Michael Hussey.
Early on, doctors had trouble figuring out what caused the severe pain in his left knee. Khawaja feared he would never play cricket again.
Medical staff and managers knew about it. But he did not want special treatment.
He did not want the disease used against him. Regular shots helped him return to cricket about six months after his diagnosis.
He now hopes sharing his story will inspire others who live with autoimmune disease.
- 22 years old
- Age at diagnosis
- 88 for Australia
- Tests played
- 6,229 runs including 16 centuries
- Test runs scored
- David Warner, Michael Hussey
- People unaware
Why it mattersA top athlete's achievement becomes more remarkable. His story offers hope to others managing chronic illness while pursuing their goals.
AustraliaKhawaja shaped Australian cricket culture, breaking barriers for Muslim and South Asian players and speaking out against discrimination within the sport.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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