The spotlight has turned toward Usman Khawaja’s wife, Rachel Khawaja, following the veteran batter’s announcement of his retirement from international cricket. While Khawaja’s decision marked the end of a distinguished red-ball career, it also renewed public interest in his family – particularly Rachel’s personal journey, professional life and her outspoken stance against online abuse.
Rachel Khawaja, formerly known as Rachel McLellan, has become a widely discussed figure among cricket fans and the broader Australian public, not only because of her association with the cricketer but also due to her independent career and principled public voice.
Who is Rachel McLellan?
Background and education
Rachel was born and raised in Australia, with reports often linking her upbringing to cities such as Sydney or Brisbane. She pursued higher education at the University of New South Wales, where she completed a degree in Marketing.
It was during her university years that Rachel met Usman Khawaja around 2015. Their relationship grew steadily, leading to an engagement in 2016. Before their marriage, Rachel made the deeply personal decision to convert from Catholicism to Islam, a choice she has consistently described as her own and rooted in understanding and faith.
Marriage and family life
The couple formalized their relationship with a nikah ceremony in 2017, followed by a wedding celebration in 2018. Since then, Rachel and Usman have built a family together and are parents to two daughters, Aisha Rahil and Ayla Fozia.
Despite Usman’s demanding international cricket schedule, Rachel has often spoken about maintaining balance between family life and professional commitments. The couple are widely regarded for their openness and mutual respect, often sharing glimpses of their family life while maintaining clear boundaries around privacy.
Career in Media and Business Development
Beyond being a cricketer’s spouse, Rachel Khawaja has established her own professional identity. She works as a Business Development Manager and is also a reporter and presenter with 7Cricket. Viewers regularly see her covering matches, producing cricket-related content, and engaging with fans through thoughtful storytelling.
Her visibility in sports media, combined with her role as a mother, has made her a relatable figure for many women navigating high-profile careers alongside family responsibilities.
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Why Rachel Khawaja is trending now?
Rachel has recently been in the public eye for reasons beyond cricket. Following a Bondi Beach shooting incident in December 2025, she revealed that her family became the target of Islamophobic abuse on social media. Rachel shared screenshots of vile comments directed at her daughters, condemning the sustained hatred they face because of Usman’s faith.
Her decision to speak out drew widespread support from fans, fellow journalists and members of the sporting community. Many praised her courage in confronting online hate head-on and using her platform to highlight the real-world impact of Islamophobia on families.
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