'I really am struggling for motivation right now'- Usman Khawaja dejected after long-running Israel vs Hamas war

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has admitted to a lack of motivation during Sheffield Shield cricket before the Test summer began as he cited his support for Palestine amidst the Gaza conflict. He also revealed that the spillover of those circumstances has left him lacking motivation as of now, as he represents Australia against Pakistan. When he expressed solidarity on-field, Khawaja faced reprimands from the ICC which affected his mental state. He disclosed the impact of these incidents that led him to seek counseling.

Despite efforts to raise awareness which included wearing a black armband without permission, he faced setbacks. His struggle with the ICC's response took a toll and prompted him to acknowledge the need for psychological support. The southpaw's candid revelation had shed light on the challenges athletes face amidst off-field causes and the toll it can take on their mental well-being.

"I don’t do these things on a whim – this is something that has affected me for a long time. I was playing Sheffield Shield cricket before the Test series and I was really lacking motivation. I talked to my wife Rachel, I talked to our sports psychologist Brent Membrey and Cricket Australia and told them I really am struggling for motivation right now," Khawaja said while speaking to Fox Cricket.

Going out and playing cricket just seemed so insignificant: Khawaja

The 37-year-old, barred by the ICC from wearing 'non-compliant' shoes before the Pakistan Test, opted to contest the rules. Feeling cricket was a lesser priority, he aimed to seek aid without distancing himself from others. He conveyed of feeling that cricket held little significance amid times of war as he admitted his ongoing struggle with this realization.

"When I see all these people, particularly innocent kids, dying and I see videos of that happening it really has an effect on me. Going out and playing cricket just seemed so insignificant and I’m really struggling with it. It had a big impact on me. I thought long and hard about what I could do and how I could do it without segregating and pushing people aside," Khawaja added.