Pak-born Oz first Muslim cricketer not certain about family’s support
By ANIWednesday, June 23, 2010
Sydney, Jun 23 (ANI): Australia’s first Muslim cricketer Usman Khawaja is not certain about his family in Pakistan rooting for him when he plays against Pakistan.
Loyalties are set to be divided in Khawaja’s family after he was picked for next month’s two-Test series against Pakistan in England.
Hopefully me. My grandmother’s there (Pakistan) on my mum’s side. I haven’t gone back there for about four years, but I have a few (relatives) up there.
“I haven’t thought about it (family loyalties) like that. I am just very happy being in the squad,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Khawaja, as saying.
Khawaja is a Pakistani origin Australian citizen, who was born in Islamabad and came to Australia aged four.
Khawaja’s was named after a spot was opened up by a shoulder injury to Phil Hughes, while Hilfenhaus returns after overcoming knee tendonitis.
He had been warming up for the tour by playing for Australia A in a four-day match series against Sri Lanka A, alongside fellow call-up Hilfenhaus. (ANI)
