Star Australian batter Usman Khawaja and Queensland Cricket are at the centre of a contentious dispute over his absence from the final round of the Sheffield Shield.

The disagreement revolves around Khawaja’s hamstring injury, which – depending on whom you believe – ruled him out of Queensland’s match against South Australia.

That match ended in a draw, securing the Bulls a place in the Sheffield Shield final, once again against South Australia. However, questions are now being raised about the legitimacy of Khawaja’s injury.

While reports indicate that the 38-year-old has been undergoing rehabilitation, Queensland Cricket’s general manager, Joe Dawes, has expressed his disappointment with Khawaja’s decision to sit out the crucial fixture.

“Our medical staff have maintained all along that he was available for selection,’’ Dawes said on Wednesday.

“That is also my understanding from Cricket Australia staff. As far as we are concerned, there are no hamstring issues.

“I rely on our medical staff, and from their reports, there was no reason why he could not have played the last game.

“It’s disappointing that he chose not to represent Queensland when given the opportunity. I have a group of players here who are all eager to play.

“We were disappointed that he did not take part in the match against South Australia. That was his decision, and he has explained some of his reasons publicly. Hopefully, he will make himself available for the final next week, and we will make that selection decision on Friday.”

However, shortly before Dawes made these comments, Queensland Cricket confirmed that Khawaja had informed them of his hamstring concern prior to his last Sheffield Shield appearance against Tasmania earlier this month.

While Khawaja did play in that match, he seemingly opted to rest for the South Australia clash.

Adding to the tension are reports suggesting that Khawaja only informed team officials of his availability for the Tasmania match roughly an hour before the squad was announced.

Khawaja has not made any public statements regarding the controversy.

It now remains uncertain whether Queensland will select him for the final, even if he declares himself fit to play.