Usman Khawaja and Imran Khan [Source: AFP]Usman Khawaja seems to be preparing for a new innings post his retirement from cricket. Over the past few months, the former Australian opener has been travelling and meeting with politicians in Canberra in a bid to raise awareness against Islamophobia.It is worth noting that Khawaja has often been vocal about his Muslim faith. The ex-cricketer was also one of the few players who constantly raised his voice about the conflict in Gaza. Usman Khawaja to take the Imran Khan route in combating IslamophobiaUsman Khawaja has been indirectly hinting in taking the route of former Pakistan cricket captain and ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan. Much like how Imran once led a worldwide campaign against Islamophobia during his tenure as Pakistan Prime Minister, Khawaja has been catching up with politicians in Australia’s Canberra to throw his support for a similar campaign.Also Read- Watch- Usman Khawaja Trolls PCB For Fining Pakistan Players Over Dismal T20 World CupHowever, unlike Imran Khan, Khawaja’s campaign intents to raise an awareness about a rise in Islamophobia within the country.While speaking in an interview on The Daily Telegraph, the 39-year-old said “I think that has become more important than ever over the last few years because I’ve noticed a big change in a lot of things – I’ve noticed the rise of Islamophobia anecdotally but also, I’ve seen how much it affects someone like myself, or my mum who wears the hijab and wears her religion literally on her sleeve.”Usman Khawaja considers career in politicsMuch like how Imran Khan and several former Indian cricketers like Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh joined politics after their playing retirements, Usman Khawaja has also hinted a possibility of entering Australian politics.In the interview, Khawaja claimed that he has considered about joining politics as it is an area where he believes he can make the “most difference”.He said “I’ve definitely thought about it. My goal will always be where can I make the most difference. Whether that’s what I’m doing right now or potentially going into politics in the future. I mean, I obviously know a lot of politicians through cricket and where there is sport there is politics.”Khawaja also added that his end goal is to look after his family and help people around him. Having announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this year, the 39-year-old said “But whether or not I get into it is not certain yet. It has to be balanced out with where I can make the most impact. I don’t believe in legacy. My goal in life is just to look after my family and help people.”When Usman Khawaja raised his voice against middle east conflictIncidentally, this is not the first occasion of Khawaja raising his voice against Islamophobia or against the attack on the Muslim community.One of the few Muslim cricketers to have played for Australia at the top level, the legendary opening batter sparked a controversy back in December 2023 during Australia’s home Test series against Pakistan. The cricketer arrived at the training while wearing shoes inscribed with humanitarian messages like “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” in colors of the Palestinian flag.While Khawaja was intending to seek peace and harmony amidst the Israel-Gaza war in the middle east, the International Cricket Council (ICC) barred him from wearing them during matches citing rules against political displays.He still wore a black armband during the first Test between Australia and Pakistan at the Perth Stadium that month, but the cricketer was later charged over it by the apex council. Also Read- BCCI To Change India’s T20 Squad For Asian Games After Anger
