Usman Khawaja and Babar Azam. (Photo Source – Twitter/ X)
The McGrath Foundation, since 2005, has been a part of the SCG Test, aiming to educate young Australian women on breast cancer. The charitable institution is founded by former Australian pacer, Glenn McGrath, in the loving memory of his wife, Jane McGrath. On Wednesay, Usman Khawaja provided insights on his plans of associating the Usman Khawaja Foundation with the annual Gabba Test.
The primary purpose of Khawaja’s institution has been to assist youth from immigrant, refugee, rural, Indigenous, remote, and low-socio economic backgrounds through programmes related to cricket and education. The fundraiser is set to include a pre-Test lunch. In addition to that, the returns from the gate as well as the auction for ace Pakistani batter Babar Azam‘s Test jersey will be directed to the charity.
“We’ve got the pink Test in Sydney. We’re trying to make the Usman Khawaja Foundation a part of the Gabba Test. I didn’t speak English [when arriving in Australia from Pakistan as a child]. Cricket broke down the barriers for me. I never felt isolated when I played sport,” stated Khawaja, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
He was recently in conversation with Babar at the Gabba wherein he revealed the outgoing and generous nature of the latter on getting in touch with Khawaja regarding the foundation.
pic.twitter.com/MtOgLM24Jb
— HaSsan (@finee_leg) November 13, 2024
— HaSsan (@finee_leg) November 13, 2024
“Babar has been great! He texted me not long ago when he heard the announcement when we with Cricket Australia. ‘Usman, can I do anything to help? I’d love to donate one of my T20I final jerseys?’ (narrating Babar’s text message). He’s got a Test shirt that he wanted to donate. Babar Azam, obviously one of the great Pakistani cricketers. I really appreciate your support and help,” shared Khawaja while being interviewed alongside Babar.
Have a look at Babar’s recent ODI form
After being dropped by the team management post the first Test against England last month, Babar had to come back with a bang. It seems as if he has really worked on coming back to his optimal best.
Although he did not get much of an opportunity to express himself due to the openers hunting down the bulk of the targets set by Australia in the second and third ODIs of the series, his 15* and 28* will surely provide him with much-needed confidence. This comes after he scored a vital 37 in the first ODI on a tricky Melbourne track.
Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.