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'Wanted To Be As White As Possible' - Khawaja On Challenges During Growing Years

Abhinav Tyagi

Usman Khawaja -(Source: @Fox/x.com)Usman Khawaja -(Source: @Fox/x.com)

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Australia's star opener, Usman Khawaja, who is preparing for the upcoming five-match Test series against India, starting on November 22, spoke about his journey and also reflected on the challenges of being an immigrant and his Pakistani origins. 

Khwaja, speaking with ABC Sports, reflected on growing up in a white-dominated area and how he thought that it required a player to be white in colour to play for Australia.

“I wanted to be as ‘Australian’ as possible. I wanted to be as white as possible because I felt like that’s what I had to do to play for Australia,” said Khawaja speaking to ABC.

Khawaja Talks About His Journey

“The last five years, in particular, I’ve thought about what legacy I want to leave in this game. I’ve played cricket for a long time, and people will remember me as a cricketer. But there’s so much about Australia that I love and want everyone else to experience,” he added.

“When I see people creating hate, trying to divide the Australian community based on beliefs or backgrounds, I feel an obligation to stand up for all the people like myself and those who don’t have a voice,” Khawaja asserted. 

Khawaja Expressed His Voice Against Oppression In The Past

It is worth noting that Khawaja has always voiced his opinion against any form of oppression. He also hogged the internet after he decided to put a black dove sticker on his bat to protest against the actions in Gaza. However, the ICC denied his request citing political involvement in sports. Nonetheless, Khawaja did not back down and opted for other modes to express his voice.  

Khawaja, who was born in Islamabad, Pakistan, made his Test debut in January 2011 and has cemented his place as an opener since then. Khwaja has played 73 Tests and amassed 5451 runs.