Australian cricket legend Usman Khawaja has joyfully announced the arrival of his third daughter with wife Rachel, naming the newborn Amira Maya. In a heartwarming family update shared on social media, the 39-year-old former Test opener revealed the birth occurred last Friday, describing the name as meaning 'graceful princess'.
A Growing Family and Cricket Team Dreams
The Khawaja family now consists of three daughters, with Usman humorously noting they are '3 from 3' and would need eight more children to field a complete cricket team. The couple shared their happy news through a joint Instagram post on Wednesday night, featuring tender photographs of the newborn with her parents and two older sisters.
'We are so grateful. Another beautiful girl. 8 more to go for a full team! Alhamdulillah,' wrote the 88-Test veteran in his caption, expressing both gratitude and playful ambition for his family's future composition.
Congratulations from Cricket Community
The announcement prompted an outpouring of congratulations from fellow cricketing figures. Childhood friend and former Australian teammate David Warner joked about their shared experience, commenting 'Congrats mate, must be an opener's thing' in reference to both having three daughters.
Test bowling legend Brett Lee added his warm wishes, praising the beautiful name choice, while Dani Willis, wife of Australian batting star Steve Smith, also extended congratulations to the growing family.
Retirement from First-Class Cricket Confirmed
This family news comes as Khawaja confirms his retirement from first-class cricket following Queensland's elimination from Sheffield Shield contention. The veteran batsman had previously announced his retirement from Test cricket after the 2025/26 Ashes series, but continued playing for the Queensland Bulls in domestic competition.
Unfortunately, Khawaja's hopes for a triumphant final season have been dashed by Queensland's recent batting collapse against Tasmania. The Bulls were bowled out for just 178 while chasing Tasmania's modest first innings total of 198, despite entering day two at 3-48.
Sheffield Shield Points Race Ends Queensland's Hopes
Compounding Queensland's difficulties, second-placed South Australia posted 305 runs and claimed five wickets against Victoria during the same round. The Sheffield Shield awards bonus points to teams scoring over 200 runs and taking wickets during the first 100 overs of their first innings.
South Australia's strong performance, combined with Queensland's batting failure, means the Bulls can no longer bridge the points gap required for finals qualification, even if they win their remaining match. This mathematical elimination also denies Khawaja a final appearance for Queensland before his retirement.
The 39-year-old has participated in various events during his final season, including the Pro-Am tournament ahead of the LIV Golf event in Adelaide last month. However, his first-class career will conclude without the fairytale ending he might have envisioned, as Queensland's campaign ends prematurely.
Khawaja initially revealed he and Rachel were expecting their third child shortly after announcing his Test cricket retirement. Despite declaring he would never play for Australia again internationally, he continued his domestic career with Queensland until this final Sheffield Shield season.
