Who is Rachel McLellan, wife of Usman Khawaja? This is why she is trending now

The spotlight is on Usman Khawaja’s wife, Rachel Khawajaafter announcing his retirement from international cricket. While Khawaja’s decision marked the end of a distinguished career, it also renewed public interest in his family – particularly Rachel’s personal journey, professional life and her outspoken stand against online abuse.

Rachel Khawaja, formerly known as Rachel McLellanhas become a much-discussed figure among cricket fans and the wider Australian public, not only because of her association with the cricketer, but also because of her independent career and principled public voice.

Who is Rachel McLellan?

Background and education

Rachel was born and raised in Australia, and reports say her upbringing was often associated with cities like Sydney or Brisbane. She pursued higher education at the University of New South Wales, where she obtained a degree in Marketing.

It was during her college years that Rachel met Usman Khawaja around 2015. Their relationship steadily grew, leading to an engagement in 2016. Before their wedding, Rachel made the deeply personal decision to convert from Catholicism to Islam, a choice she has consistently described as her own and one that is 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 a balance between family life and professional commitments. The couple is widely known 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

Rachel Khawaja is not only a cricketer’s wife but has also established her own professional identity. She works as a Business Development Manager and is also a reporter and presenter at 7Cricket. Viewers regularly see her covering matches, producing cricket-related content and connecting with fans through thoughtful storytelling.

Her visibility in the sports media, combined with her role as a mother, has made her a recognizable figure for many women pursuing high-profile careers in addition to their 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 shooting incident in Bondi Beach in December 2025, she revealed her family became the target of Islamophobic abuse on social media. Rachel shared screenshots of vile comments directed at her daughters, condemning the continued hatred they face because of Usman’s faith.

Her decision to speak out received 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 impact of Islamophobia on families.

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