The focus turned to Usman Khawaja’s wife. Rachel Khawajaafter his announcement of veteran leaning retirement from international cricket. While Khawaja’s decision marked the end of a distinguished red-ball career, it also renewed public interest in her family – particularly Rachel’s personal journey, professional life and outspoken stance against online abuse.
Formerly known as Rachel Khawaja Rachel McLellanhas become a widely discussed figure among cricket fans and the wider Australian public, not only because of his association with the cricketer, but also because of his independent career and principled public voice.
Who is Rachel McLellan?
Background and education
Rachel was born and raised in Australia, with reports linking her upbringing to cities like Sydney or Brisbane. He continued his higher education at the University of New South Wales where he majored in Marketing.
It was during her university years that Rachel met Usman Khawaja in 2015. Their relationship grew steadily and they got engaged in 2016. Before getting married, Rachel made a deeply personal decision to convert from Catholicism to Islam.
Marriage and family life
The couple formalized their relationship with a wedding ceremony in 2017, followed by a wedding reception in 2018. Rachel and Usman have since married and are parents to two daughters, Aisha Rahil and Ayla Fozia.
Despite Usman’s demanding international cricket schedule, Rachel has often spoken about maintaining a balance between family life and professional commitments. The couple is widely regarded for their openness and mutual respect, often sharing insights into their family life while maintaining clear boundaries around privacy.
Careers in Media and Business Development
Apart from being a cricketer’s wife, Rachel Khawaja has created her own professional identity. He works as a Business Development Manager and is also a reporter and presenter with 7Cricket. Viewers regularly see him covering matches, producing cricket-related content and connecting with fans through thoughtful storytelling.
Her exposure in sports media, combined with her role as a mother, made her a relevant figure for many women juggling high-profile careers alongside family responsibilities.
Why is Rachel Khawaja trending now?
Rachel has recently been in the public eye for reasons outside of cricket. After the Bondi Beach shooting in December 2025, she revealed that her family had become the target of Islamophobic abuse on social media. Rachel shared screenshots of Usman’s vile comments aimed at her daughters, decrying the constant hate they face because of their faith.
His decision to speak has received widespread support from fans, journalists and members of the sports community. Many praised her for her courage in standing up to online hate and using her platform to highlight the real impact of Islamophobia on families.
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