Visibly emotional Usman Khawaja thanks his wife for her ‘unconditional love’ during stirring Australian Cricket Awards speech after Marnus Labuschagne told him to wind it up
- Usman Khawaja paid tribute to his wife Rachel on stage
- Followed the 35-year-old’s Test Player of the Year accolade
- Marnus Labuschagne felt Khawaja’s speech was excessive
Usman Khawaja publicly showcased his romantic side when he thanked his wife for her ‘unconditional love’ during a moving speech at the Australian Cricket Awards night on Monday.
The 36-year-old was crowned Test Player of the Year following a dynamic 2022 at the crease – and was quick to pay tribute to Rachel Khawaja on stage.
‘For my wife, Rachel – you are the rock. You know how much I love you,’ he said at the gala event staged at Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse.
‘When I got dropped in 2019, you gave me unconditional love. I’m getting emotional thinking about a very tough time in my life.
‘You loved me when I was playing for Australia, you loved me when I was playing for Queensland, even when I was a ‘clubbie’ playing for ‘Valleys’ you gave me unconditional love.
‘You love Usman Khawaja the person, not Usman Khawaja the cricketer – and for that, I’m truly indebted to you.
Usman Khawaja showcased his romantic side after thanking his wife Rachel for her ‘unconditional love’ during a moving speech at the Australian Cricket Awards night on Monday
Ever the joker, teammate Marnus Labuschagne was spotted on camera playfully telling Khawaja to wrap up his kind words
Unperturbed, the self-confessed ‘People’s Champ’ continued his acceptance speech, with shout-outs to his daughters Aisha and Ayla before also thanking his parents
‘Without you, I wouldn’t be standing here right now.’
Ever the joker, teammate Marnus Labuschagne was spotted on camera playfully telling the opening batsman to wind up his kind words.
Unperturbed, the self-confessed ‘People’s Champ’ continued his acceptance speech, with shout outs to his daughters Aisha and Ayla before also thanking his parents for leaving a comfortable life in Pakistan when he was a youngster for new opportunities in Australia.
Earlier in the night, Khawaja also won the Community Impact Award.
The Usman Khawaja Foundation helps young people from disadvantaged communities by providing educational and opportunities in cricket.
Steve Smith took home the coveted Allan Border Medal for a record-equalling fourth time.
The 18-man Australian squad will soon depart for India ahead of the highly anticipated series across four Tests starting in Nagpur on February 9.
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