Monty Panesar reacts after Usman Khawaja calls out racism in Australian cricket

A heated debate has erupted in the cricketing world over race, culture and privilege after former England player Monty Panesar reacted to Usman Khawaja‘s moving comments on racism in Australian cricket.

Monty Panesar contradicts Usman Khawaja in heated debate over racism in cricket

Recently, veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja spoke about stereotypes and mistreatment. And now, reacting to the Australian star’s revelations, Panesar has presented a contradictory view, claiming he has not faced any racism during his entire England career.

The British Asian cricketer, who played 50 Tests for England, reflected on his international journey and put to rest the growing narrative of racism in cricket, particularly within the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) set-up.

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Monty Panesar’s take: “A welcoming locker room”

Panesar shared that he has always felt respected and valued within the England set-up. The former spinner noted that the dressing room environment was welcoming and the support from his teammates and the ECB remained constant throughout his career.

Monty Panesar was quoted as telling IANS: “Luckily, I never faced racial discrimination while playing for England. I always received strong support from the team and the board. They were very supportive of me.”

Usman Khawaja’s claims: stereotypes and “excessive” criticism

Recently, Khawaja spoke about the difficulties he faced during his time with the Australian cricket team. After announcing he would retire from the game after the last Ashes Test in Sydney, Khawaja spoke about the challenges he faced throughout his career.

He explained that although he was part of one of the most famous national movements teams In sport, the Australian fly-half has often felt like an outsider. Even after years of consistent performances, the Pakistani-born Australian slugger believed he was still seen and treated differently.

Khawaja said: “I’ve always felt a little different, even now. I’m a colored cricketer and the Australian cricket team is, in my opinion, the greatest national team. It’s our pride and joy. But I’ve also felt very different by the way I’ve been treated and the way certain things have happened.”

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Facing the same racial stereotypes in Ashes 2025-26: Usman Khawaja

He also faced intense criticism ahead of the Perth Test, when he spent time playing golf before suffering sudden back spasms which prevented him from opening in both rounds.

The Australian star further noted that voices in the media and former players had questioned his commitment for several days, and he felt the reaction went far beyond and reflected long-standing stereotypes he had been dealing with since his early days in cricket.

Khawaja finished by saying: “I was having back spasms, and it was something I couldn’t control. The way the media and ex-players came out and attacked me, I could have dealt with it for two days, but I did it for about five days straight.

These are the same racial stereotypes I grew up with my whole life. We obviously didn’t completely get past them, because I’ve never seen anyone treated like that in the Australian cricket team before, not because of the uncontrollable way in which you attacked me.

“I’m off the leash now guys” 😂

Usman Khawaja is all smiles before his final test 🥹 pIc.twItter.com/WYou0GJ.YouMJ.ck

– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) J.AnYouArYes 2, 2026