Usman Khawaja reveals secret battle with rheumatoid arthritis during career

Published 1d ago · Latest report 3h ago

Affects Australia · Covered in 2 countries

AI summary34s readMixed

Usman Khawaja hid his rheumatoid arthritis for 17 years to protect his cricket career.

Former Test cricketer Usman Khawaja has disclosed that he hid a severe rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis for 17 years to prevent opponents from exploiting it. The condition first struck when he was starting out in top-level cricket, leaving him barely able to walk. Khawaja shares these personal struggles in his upcoming autobiography.

The diagnosisKhawaja initially feared he was suffering from a terminal illness when symptoms first appeared.
The book releaseThe autobiographical work titled Sabr is scheduled for publication on 10 November.

Why it matters

Professional athletes frequently conceal chronic health conditions to avoid selection bias, contract repercussions, or psychological advantage by competitors. Khawaja's public disclosure sheds light on the physical tolls hidden behind elite athletic performances.

By the numbers1

17 yrsyears keeping illness secret

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