Australian opener Usman Khawaja has landed in hot water after being spotted at the F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, despite missing a Sheffield Shield match for Queensland due to a claimed hamstring injury.
However, photos have emerged on social media which show Usman Khawaja enjoying the Formula 1 action at the Albert Park in Melbourne, sparking widespread criticism and raising questions about the severity of his injury.
Usman Khawaja also reportedly chose to skip the team's trip to spend time with his family during Ramadan, but instead flew to Melbourne with his wife, where he was spotted enjoying the F1 Grand Prix.
Queensland cricket officials are not happy with Usman Khawaja
In a surprising twist, Usman Khawaja's availability for the Sheffield Shield final was thrown into question after Queensland Cricket's Head of Elite Cricket, Joe Dawes, made comments that cast doubt on his participation, despite Khawaja initially making himself available.
"Our medical staff said all the way through he has been available for selection. That is my understanding from Cricket Australia staff as well. No hamstring issues as far as we are concerned. I go off our medical staff, and there is no reason why he could not have played the last game. It’s just disappointing he didn’t play a game for Queensland when he had an opportunity to," said Dawes.
Queensland Cricket officials were unhappy with Khawaja's absence, prompting further comments from Joe Dawes. "I have got a bunch of blokes here that all want to play. I think we are disappointed he did not play the game against South Australia. That’s the decision he made, and he has communicated some of the reasons for that in the public."
Although facing criticism, Usman Khawaja has offered to play in Queensland's Sheffield Shield final, but his commitment is under scrutiny and it's uncertain if he'll ultimately participate in the key match.
