Test star Usman Khawaja’s plan for multicultural mark at the Gabba

Usman Khawaja is hopeful the Gabba can take a leaf out of the SCG’s book, as he eyes playing an even bigger role in shaping the future of cricket in Australia.

Usman Khawaja is hopeful of replicating Sydney’s Jane McGrath Pink Test day with a special children’s day in future Brisbane Tests.

Khawaja is in discussions with Cricket Australia over the possibility of making the second day of Brisbane Tests children’s day where money raised went to Khawaja’s charity foundation which helps disadvantaged youth, including new immigrants and refugees, through the provision of educational and cricketing opportunities.

“My vision is to have the Usman Khawaja Foundation a big part of the Gabba Test much like the McGrath Foundation has the pink Test in Sydney,’’ Khawaja said in Brisbane on Monday.

“Day two of the Gabba Test as children’s day is what I would like to see much like the pink day at the SCG.”

Usman Khawaja is planning for a youth multicultural day at the Gabba, with proceeds to go towards the Usman Khawaja Foundation. Picture: Peter Wallis

The Jane McGrath Day, traditionally held on day three of the Sydney Test, is used to raise money for breast care nurses.

“I think it is such a great thing. I think people would really get around giving kids an opportunity not only in cricket and education but around the world, just putting food on the table and having clean and healthy lives.’’

Khawaja was speaking at a press conference in Brisbane where Cricket Australia announced its Legacy Program, which boosts cricket’s presence among diverse cultures, has grown by 29 per cent to 26,000, with the assistance of Khawaja’s foundation, over the last two years.

CA chief executive Nick Hockley said he was talking to Khawaja about future projects and one has already been nailed down.

Spectators who attend the final day of the Brisbane Test against India next summer will be charged a gold coin which would go to the Khawaja Foundation. Khawaja quipped he is hoping for a flat deck so the Test lasts five days.

Khawaja hopes to replicate the style of the Jane McGrath Pink Test in Sydney. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Meanwhile, Queensland have named leg-spinner Mitch Swepson captain for the first time for the Bulls opening two One-Day Cup games this week against Tasmania and Victoria, both in Melbourne.

Swepson will take on the captaincy with newly appointed leader Marnus Labuschagne on national duties with the Australian ODI squad in England.

The 30-year-old has been in the leadership groups in recent seasons and led Sandgate-Redcliffe to the final of the KFC T20 Max competition earlier this month.

Originally published as Test star Usman Khawaja’s plan for multicultural mark at the Gabba