Australian Test cricketer Usman Khawaja’s family has become targets of an online abuse campaign following the tragic Bondi Beach attack, his wife Rachel Khawaja has revealed.
As per the details, the attack has heightened anti-Islamic sentiments in Australia after it was revealed that the shooters, father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram, were linked to the Islamic State.
Amid the Islamophobia spike, Rachel Khawaja posted on her Instagram some of the comments directed at her daughters Aisha and Ayla, and herself, on social media.
“I’ve collected a small sample size of some of the comments we have received over the past week,” she posted.
“I would love to say this is new, but sadly we have always received these kind of messages. But of course, they have gotten worse.”
The shocking comments called their daughters “future school blasters” and said they had “cancer terr***** blood”. Numerous comments told the family to “go home” to Pakistan.
“It is important now more than ever that we continue to come together and stay united,” Rachel posted. “Whether it’s standing up against antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism, we shouldn’t stand for any of it.”
Khawaja, who was born in Islamabad, and moved to Australia with his family at the age of five, has spoken openly about his Islamic faith throughout his international career.
He has publicly addressed Islamophobia, including speaking about abuse directed at Muslim athletes and the need for greater understanding and inclusion in sports.
He also issues several statements on Instagram in response to the Bondi tragedy.
“Truly devastating news from Bondi today,” he posted with a broken-heart emoji. “Lives lost senselessly, families shattered, the Bondi community traumatised. There are no words – only heartbreak. My thoughts and prayers to all affected.”
On Monday morning, Khawaja shared another message. “Up before the break of dawn and praying for the Jewish and Bondi community as a whole,” he posted.
“No room whatsoever for these hate crimes.”
During his career, Khawaja has also made several statements focused on human rights, specially against Israeli genocide in Gaza, with messages such as “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” written on his shoes during the 2023 Test series against Pakistan.
On December 14, 2025, two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Archer Park near Bondi Beach.
The attack killed 15 people and wounded more than 40 others.
The suspects were identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram.
During the attack, Ahmed al-Ahmed, a local fruit shop owner, rushed Sajid Akram and wrestled his shotgun away. Sajid Akram was shot and killed by police at the scene, while his son Naveed Akram was wounded by police and taken into custody.