Khawaja revealed that Babar had reached out to him soon after hearing about the foundation’s efforts
13 November, 2024
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PHOTO: FILE
In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship and goodwill, Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has donated his game-worn Test jersey to the Usman Khawaja Foundation. The historic jersey, which was worn by Babar during a Test match, will be sold in an auction, with all proceeds benefiting the Australian opener’s charitable initiative.
Khawaja, who was visibly moved by Babar’s gesture, expressed his gratitude during an interview with the Pakistani cricketer. The left-handed opener revealed that Babar had reached out to him soon after hearing about the foundation’s efforts.
"Babar has been great! He texted me not long ago when he heard the announcement 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). But instead, 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," said Khawaja, visibly grateful for the gesture.
Khawaja, who himself hails from a Pakistani background, has long been a strong advocate for youth development through education and sport. The Usman Khawaja Foundation, which aims to support young people from rural, immigrant, and low-socioeconomic backgrounds, is one of his key initiatives.
During the interview, he also shared his long-term vision for linking his foundation with the annual Gabba Test, drawing inspiration from The McGrath Foundation, which has been part of the Sydney Test since 2025, aiming to educate young Australian women on breast cancer.
"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 I arrived in Australia from Pakistan as a child. Cricket broke down the barriers for me. I never felt isolated when I played sport," Khawaja reflected on his journey from a young immigrant to a celebrated cricketer.
The auction of Babar Azam's Test jersey will undoubtedly raise significant funds for the Usman Khawaja Foundation, continuing the momentum of supporting youth through both cricket and education.
After completion of the fifty-over series, the Men in Green will face off against Australia in a three-match T20I series start from November 14th.
Pakistan T20 squad: Muhammad Rizwan (c), Abbas Afridi, Agha Salman, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan.
T20I series schedule:
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