Usman Khawaja has spoken out about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with the Australian cricketer calling for ‘compassion’ on both sides.
Khawaja, the first Muslim cricketer to play for Australia, took to
Khawaja shared a message from British actor and rapper Riz Ahmed, urging unity instead of division: “Well said brother. Innocents on both sides are sadly suffering.
‘Especially those who have run out of food and water. There must be compassion. #humanity’.
Born in Pakistan, Khawaja played 66 Tests for Australia, scoring 15 centuries and 24 half-centuries at an average of 47.20.
Usman Khawaja has called for ‘compassion’ amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas
Thousands of people have died in horrific scenes in the Middle East
He has spoken openly about his faith in the past, crediting it with his incredible form against all odds.
“People talk about my resilience, but my resilience is about my faith,” he told The Guardian. “It’s the only thing that got me dropped so many times. Without it I wouldn’t be where I am today.
‘I understand that many people do not believe in God and do not have the same beliefs as I do.
‘What I like about Islam is that there is no middleman. You are responsible for yourself and your relationship with God is between you and God.
‘I question everything, including Islam. I’m not one of those people who are religious because I bury my head in the sand. I’m going to look for answers.’
He has also spoken out about how he is often stopped by overzealous security for identity checks when on duty for his country, despite wearing the Australian kit.
“Last year I was stopped three times at our hotel, while in Australian kit, and asked if I was in the Australian cricket team…,” Khawaja wrote on Twitter.