- Aussie cricket star is on cloud nine with new announcement
Aussie cricket great Usman Khawaja has revealed he has become a father for a third time, with his wife Rachel giving birth to their third daughter.
The 39-year-old and his partner have named the newest addition to their family Amira Maya, which essentially means ‘graceful princess’, in a heartwarming twist.
Khawaja made the announcement on Wednesday night in a joint Instagram post with Rachel, featuring photos of the newborn with her parents and two sisters.
‘3 from 3. Amira Maya Khawaja born last Friday. We are so grateful. Another beautiful girl. 8 more to go for a full team! Alhamdulillah,’ the 88-Test veteran wrote.
The happy couple’s announcement drew many messages of support from famous cricketers.
‘Congrats mate, must be an opener’s thing,’ joked childhood friend and former Australia teammate David Warner, given he also has three daughters.
Usman Khawaja is pictured with wife Rachel and their three daughters
Amira Maya Khawaja (pictured) was born late last week, with news only going public on Wednesday night
The 39-year-old former Test opener (pictured) went out a winner in his final match for Australia in January
‘Beautiful mate! Lovely name. Congratulations,’ added Test legend Brett Lee.
‘Congratulations!!!’ wrote Dani Willis, the wife of Aussie star Steve Smith.
Khawaja announced that he and his wife were expecting their third child shortly after he retired from Test cricket at the end of the 2025/26 Ashes series.
But despite declaring he would never play for Australia again, he continued on for the Queensland Bulls in the Sheffield Shield.
Khawaja’s hopes of going out on a high at state level have been dashed, with the Bulls unable to stop Tasmania’s bowling juggernaut.
Queensland went into day two of their clash last Sunday needing a big total after slumping to 3-48 on day one.
But despite chasing Tasmania’s modest 198, the Bulls were bowled out for just 178.
While this was occurring, second-placed South Australia posted 305 runs and claimed five wickets against Victoria.
Usman Khawaja joked that he and Rachel (pictured) are ‘3 from 3’ after having their third daughter, and need to have eight more kids for a full cricket team
The Queensland veteran (pictured) hasn’t enjoyed a successful final season in the Sheffield Shield as he bows out of first-class cricket
Khawaja (pictured) took part in the Pro-Am tournament ahead of the LIV Golf event in Adelaide last month
The state tournament rewards bonus points to sides that score more than 200 runs, and for every wicket they take during the first 100 overs of the first innings.
South Australia’s efforts, combined with Queensland’s batting collapse, means the Bulls can no longer make up the points difference needed, even if they win the match.
It also denies Khawaja a final game for Queensland.
The 39-year-old has confirmed he will retire from first-class cricket at the end of the competition.