Usman Khawaja to play another season with Queensland Bulls despite clash with Joe Dawes

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Usman Khawaja to play another season with Queensland Bulls despite clash with Joe Dawes

Test opener Usman Khawaja will again play for the Queensland Bulls next season despite his feud with the state’s head of elite cricket Joe Dawes.

Khawaja was furious with Dawes for suggesting that the veteran batsman had “no hamstring issues”, the reason given for him not playing for the Bulls in their final match of the regular Sheffield Shield season in March against South Australia.

“Joe Dawes came out the other day and said a few inflammatory things, which was really disappointing to me as a player,” Khawaja said in March.

“Joe said the medical staff had no idea (about my hamstring injury). That is 100 per cent wrong.”

Despite his anger, Khawaja, 38, will again play for the Bulls as one of three Cricket Australia contracted players – the other two being state captain Marnus Labuschagne and paceman Xavier Bartlett – named in Queensland’s 2025-26 squad.

The squad also includes emerging pace bowlers Tom Whitney and Tom Straker, who have secured full contracts after being elevated from the rookie list.

Dropping out of the squad are left-arm paceman Liam Guthrie, who has linked with English County side Northamptonshire, left-handed batsman Bryce Street and paceman Connor Sully.

“We wish Liam all the best at Northants under (former Bulls coach) Darren Lehmann and will stay close to Bryce and Connor as they tackle new challenges,’’ Dawes said.

“The Bulls have plenty of incentives to build on their improvement last season, and we will back the squad to convert that potential into trophies in the coming seasons.

“We’re excited about what lies ahead and look forward to improving as individuals and as a squad in the first-class and one-day competitions.”

Queensland Bulls 2025-26 squad: Cricket Australia contracted: Xavier Bartlett (Gold Coast), Usman Khawaja (Valley), Marnus Labuschagne (Redlands). Queensland contracted: Max Bryant (Valley), Hugo Burdon (Gold Coast), Jack Clayton (University of Qld), Lachlan Hearne (Toombul), Angus Lovell (University of Qld), Ben McDermott (Gold Coast), Michael Neser (Gold Coast), Jimmy Peirson (Redlands), Matthew Renshaw (Toombul), Gurinder Sandhu (South Brisbane), Jack Sinfield (Redlands), Mark Steketee (Valley), Tom Straker (Valley), Mitch Swepson (Sandgate-Redcliffe), Callum Vidler (Valley), Hugh Weibgen (Valley), Tom Whitney (Wests), Jack Wildermuth (Valley). Queensland rookie contracted: Lachy Aitken (Gold Coast), Tom Balkin (Toombul), Jem Ryan (Ipswich).

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