Former Australia batter Usman Khawaja has accused members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) of racially abusing him during a heated confrontation at Lord’s Cricket Ground in 2023.
Khawaja made the allegations in his new book, Sabr, recounting the hostility he and his Australian teammates faced in the Long Room following Jonny Bairstow’s controversial dismissal during the Ashes series.
The former international cricketer, who retired from the game earlier this year, described how MCC members shouted insults at the Australian players as they walked through the pavilion towards lunch.
Khawaja Recalls Confrontation in the Lord’s Long Room
The incident followed Bairstow’s dismissal by Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who threw the ball towards the stumps after the England batter had stepped out of his crease, apparently believing the over had ended.
The decision to appeal for a run-out sparked outrage among England supporters and prompted an angry reaction from spectators at Lord’s.
In his book, Khawaja described the atmosphere in the Long Room as hostile, claiming several members directed offensive language at the Australian players.
He wrote that the crowd appeared united in its hostility, with members shouting insults as the team made its way through the area.
Khawaja initially laughed in disbelief at what was happening but said the situation escalated when one individual shouted directly into his ear.
He recalled confronting the person, warning him not to scream in his ear again before continuing towards the dining area.
However, the situation became more serious when another person allegedly shouted a racial slur at him.
Khawaja said he immediately lost his temper and confronted the individual.
Australian Cricketer Calls for Security Intervention
Khawaja admitted that he could not identify the exact person responsible for the alleged racial abuse.
He explained that he confronted the first individual he saw, believing he was responsible because the man continued shouting and spitting in his face.
The cricketer said he subsequently called on security personnel to remove the individual from the area.
He also alleged that some MCC members attempted to trip him and teammate David Warner from behind the dividing rope as the Australians walked through the Long Room.
According to Khawaja, the hostility extended beyond the players, with a child belonging to a member of Australia’s coaching staff reportedly left in tears.
His brother-in-law also came close to a physical confrontation during the incident.
Khawaja further revealed that his wife, Rachel, was frightened by the atmosphere and feared that someone might physically attack her.
MCC Punished Three Members Following Investigation
The MCC launched a four-month investigation into the confrontation before announcing disciplinary measures against three members.
One member received a two-and-a-half-year suspension, while another was banned for four-and-a-half years.
The individual considered the most serious offender was expelled from the club for life.
Footage from the day showed Khawaja involved in a heated exchange with members inside the pavilion as boos and angry remarks were heard.
The scenes attracted widespread attention because the Lord’s Long Room is traditionally associated with cricketing etiquette and respect.
The confrontation also generated strong reactions among cricket supporters, with some criticising the Australian players over Bairstow’s dismissal while others condemned the behaviour of the MCC members.
Book Marks First Public Allegation of Racist Abuse
Although Khawaja had previously discussed the confrontation at Lord’s, he had not publicly alleged that he was subjected to racial abuse during the incident.
His account in Sabr represents the first time he has specifically made the allegation.
The Australian batter also explained his previous experiences with the racial slur allegedly directed at him.
He recalled an encounter with a UK customs official in 2010, when the official questioned his association with the travelling Australian cricket team.
Khawaja said he used a similar abbreviation to describe the opposition they were travelling to play, prompting a shocked reaction from the airport official.
Khawaja Explains How Bairstow Was Dismissed
In addition to describing the confrontation in the Long Room, Khawaja provided details of how Bairstow’s controversial dismissal unfolded.
He recalled seeing Australian captain Pat Cummins communicate with Carey through a gesture resembling an underarm throw.
According to Khawaja, Carey acknowledged the suggestion before the next delivery, which was a bouncer.
Bairstow ducked underneath the ball, and Carey immediately threw it underarm towards the stumps.
Khawaja said Bairstow had stepped out of his crease as the ball travelled towards the wickets, allowing Carey to complete the run-out.
He also recalled Bairstow questioning whether Australia intended to appeal for the dismissal.
Khawaja said he reminded the England batter that he had attempted a similar dismissal involving Australian player Marnus Labuschagne earlier in the match.
Sandpapergate Revelations Also Feature in Khawaja’s Book
The allegations concerning the Lord’s incident are not the only revelations in Sabr attracting attention.
Khawaja has also reignited controversy surrounding Australia’s 2018 ball-tampering scandal, commonly known as Sandpapergate.
He claimed that the entire Australian team knew about the ball-tampering incident involving Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner.
The three players were punished following the scandal during Australia’s tour of South Africa, but Khawaja’s latest account has raised fresh questions about the involvement and knowledge of other members of the squad.
His claims have also prompted renewed calls for further action against players who allegedly knew what was happening but were not punished.
David Warner has backed Khawaja’s account of the team’s knowledge of the scandal.
However, Cricket Australia has maintained that it has no intention of reopening its investigation into the 2018 incident.
