Ian Healy furious at Cricket Australia as Usman Khawaja skips Sheffield Shield match
Published - 16 Mar 2025, 03:30 PM | Updated - 16 Mar 2025, 03:33 PM
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Former Australian cricketer Ian Healy has slammed Cricket Australia (CA) after Usman Khawaja opted out of Queensland’s crucial Sheffield Shield match against South Australia. Ian Healy believes that Cricket Australia (CA) should be deeply worried that a centrally contracted player has opted to skip an important red-ball domestic fixture, especially when Queensland is in contention for the final.
Usman Khawaja’s absence has sparked debate, as many Queensland fans are disappointed because the veteran Australian opener has been in fine form with the bat. Some speculate that Khawaja took the break to enjoy the holy month of Ramadan with his family, while some seek more clarity on his decision.
Ian Healy blasts Cricket Australia over Usman Khawaja’s Sheffield Shield move
Well, Healy has expressed frustration over the situation, questioning why a key player like Usman would miss such a significant match in the Sheffield Shield. He emphasized the need for Australian cricket to be built on commitment, skill, and integrity, rather than players opting out of important games.
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Ian Healy said on SEN Radio, “I’ve got Cricket Australia under the pump, and they should be feeling a little bit of pressure. I’m not sure who the relevant department is. It’s either the cricket department, the CEO who’s the head of management, or the board.
The board should be aghast that Usman Khawaja has chosen not to play the last round of the Sheffield Shield competition to get his state into the final. To Cricket Australia—your contracted player doesn’t play your long-standing competition. Our cricket needs to be built on integrity, skill and ‘ticker’, not absence.”
Usman Khawaja wants to prioritize the Test future over domestic cricket!!
Meanwhile, Queensland officials revealed that Usman Khawaja is focused on staying fresh for a demanding year of Test cricket with Australia. With nearly 10 Tests lined up, Khawaja is reportedly prioritizing his test commitments and managing his workload carefully.
Additionally, the left-handed batte didn’t want to take a spot in the Queensland team from a batter who had been a regular part of their campaign throughout the season. Notably, Australian pacer Scott Boland has been ruled out of Victoria’s next match because of knee soreness.
A Queensland Cricket spokesperson told Yahoo Sport Australia, “He has been upfront about prioritizing the next 9-10 Tests in his career, and after a big year, was mindful that he wanted to make that his focus. He was also conscious of taking the place of a batter who had been in the Bulls team for the bulk of the season and depriving them of a chance to step up in a key match and thereby benefit Queensland’s future depth and strength.”
Todd Greenberg disappointed as Adelaide Oval set to host AFL games
On the other hand, Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg said that they are disappointed that South Australia can't host the Sheffield Shield final at Adelaide Oval due to the Australian Football League (AFL).
He stated, “We are disappointed South Australia has been prevented from hosting the Sheffield Shield final at Adelaide Oval. The Sheffield Shield final is a significant event for Australia’s national sport, and we believe Adelaide Oval would have been the most appropriate venue.”
