Babar Azam donates his jersey to Usman Khawaja Foundation

Pakistan star batter Babar Azam, in a heartwarming gesture, donated his game-worn Test jersey to the Usman Khawaja Foundation at The Gabba in Brisbane on Wednesday.

Babar’s iconic jersey is set to be auctioned off, with all proceedings dedicated to the Usman Khawaja Foundation.

For the unversed, the foundation is committed to empowering youth from diverse backgrounds, including those who are refugees, immigrants, Indigenous, and individuals from rural, remote, and low-socioeconomic backgrounds.

The Australian opening batter thanked Babar for his generous gesture and commended the Pakistani star for his eagerness to support his foundation.

“Babar has been great! He texted me not long ago when he heard the announcement with Cricket Australia [CA]. ‘Usman, can I do anything to help? I’d love to donate one of my T20I final jerseys?’ [narrating Babar’s text message],” Usman Khawaja stated.

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“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,” he added.

Khawaja further revealed his ambitious plans to establish a lasting connection between his foundation and The Gabba Test, envisioning it as an annual event.

His inspiration comes from The McGrath Foundation, which has been an integral part of the Sydney Test, dedicating itself to raising awareness and educating young Australian women about 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,” Khawaja said.

“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,” he concluded.

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