Jason Gillespie Slams Usman Khawaja Over Hypocrisy and Book Claims

Usman Khawaja criticized retired Test quick Jason Gillespie in his newly released book Sabr, prompting Gillespie to call the remarks ridiculous and hypocritical on Saturday.

The feud stems from criticism Khawaja faced ahead of the SCG Test. Announcing his retirement, Khawaja addressed backlash over playing three rounds of golf in three days before the Perth Test, suggesting the criticism carried racial undertones.

Gillespie defended the media coverage at the time on ABC radio. Being questioned over personal choices and held to account is part of professional sports, according to Gillespie, who stated it was not bullying or abuse.

“You can’t really throw a temper tantrum when asked to take accountability for the job you’re actually paid to do,” Gillespie said on ABC radio.

Khawaja fired back in his book, released on Tuesday, expressing disbelief that Gillespie—who is of Aboriginal descent and supports First Nations communities—would be tone-deaf on racial issues.

“The irony is that Jason is of Aboriginal descent, and I couldn’t believe that someone who supports First Nations people like he does, who goes out to communities, and has done all the great work that he has done, could be so tone deaf on the topic,” Khawaja wrote in Sabr.

Gillespie Responds to Hypocrisy Claims

Gillespie addressed the book excerpt on ABC radio on Saturday, stating he found the mention of his Indigenous heritage unwarranted.

“I didn’t think I said anything that was controversial,” Gillespie said on ABC radio.

“He called me ‘tone deaf’ I think as well, and he was referencing my Indigenous heritage. I’m not sure why he needed to bring that up,” Gillespie said.

Declining to give the controversy further air time, Gillespie added a final critique regarding Khawaja’s stance.

“I think it’s actually a little bit hypocritical of Usman to misrepresent my words when he’s complaining about being misrepresented himself,” Gillespie said.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.