Usman Khawaja leaves Sydney Thunder for family reasons

Khawaja announced his departure from the club, where he has played since the inception of the Big Bash, to be closer to his family in Brisbane

Usman Khawaja has left Sydney Thunder after more than 10 years with the club for family reasons.

Khawaja announced his departure from the club, where he has played since the inception of the Big Bash League, to be closer to his family in Brisbane.

The top-order batter leaves the Thunder with a year still left on his contract during the BBL embargo period, with he and his wife expecting their second child. 

He said: "It's the toughest call I've made as a cricketer because Sydney Thunder, the players, the coaching and support staff, and the club's supporters mean so much to me.

"However, it is for family reasons, and while I'm leaving, people who know me realise a big part of my heart will always remain with Thunder.

"I don't want people to think I've cut my ties with Sydney Thunder because I'll always care about the club, the players, the entire organisation."

Khawaja scored 1,818 runs in 59 BBL matches and strikes at 129.85 with an average of 34.30.

He was also part of the Thunder side that won the tournament in 2016 and played a crucial role in the franchise's sole title success, with scores of 109*, 106* and 62, before his 70 in the final.

^{Khawaja has only ever played for Thunder in the Big Bash (Mike Owen/Getty Images)}

Though he has announced his intention to move back to Brisbane, Brisbane Heat have declined to comment on whether they have approached the left-hander, although he would not be able to sign until the end of the BBL embargo period in any case.

Thunder had reportedly offered a multi-year contract for the 35-year-old, but Michael Klinger, Cricket NSW's head of male cricket, had nothing but understanding for Khawaja's decision to leave.

He said: "Usman leaves Sydney Thunder with our best wishes for the future. He's a foundation player who leaves a legacy as a great competitor and player, a strong leader, and someone who actively helped Thunder become the club he always believed it could be.

"Sydney Thunder and CNSW definitely wanted him to stay, and we offered a highly competitive contract. However, we appreciate Usman's decision has been made for his family, and we respect and support that."