AUS vs PAK: Fans escorted out after waving banner with Usman Khawaja’s banned shoe slogans

Usman Khawaja

During the fourth day of the first Test between Australia and Pakistan at Optus Stadium in Perth, fans were instructed to leave after displaying a banner with pro-Palestine messages. Interestingly, the banner conveyed the same message that Australian opener Usman Khawaja had written on his shoes- “Freedom is a human right” and “All Lives Are Equal.”

The International Cricket Council (ICC) forbade Khawaja from wearing such shoes, as the governing body strictly prohibits political, religious, or racial messages during any matches. The cricketer has expressed his intention to fight for his right to express these views within the ICC regulations.

Despite this, he chose to express his humanitarian views by wearing the same shoes but covering the messages with semi-transparent tape, demonstrating a nuanced approach on Day 1 of the first Test. The Pakistan-born batter also conveyed his stance by wearing a black armband, symbolising his support and solidarity for those affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“A sign was removed because it contravened Cricket Australia’s terms and conditions of entry. Some patrons were removed because of antisocial behaviour, not because of the sign,” Optus Stadium said in a statement.

On the eve of the Test against Pakistan, Cricket Australia rejected Usman Khawaja’s Gaza standpoint. Nevertheless, the cricketer remained steadfast in his views, explaining that witnessing the events in Gaza led him to envision his daughters in a similar situation.

“This is close to my heart. When I see thousands of innocent children dying without any repercussions or remorse, I imagine my two girls. What if this was them? No one chooses where they’re born,” Khawaja said on social media.

A banner bearing the same message Usman Khawaja had written on his shoes has been taken down by security during the first Test between Australia and Pakistan in Perth. Fans were also escorted out of the stadium #AUSvPAK #Cricket pic.twitter.com/Fe3HcuiYu5

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) December 17, 2023

Australia takes 1-0 lead in three-match Test series against Pakistan

Australia delivered an impressive performance, surpassing the Shan Masood-led side by 360 runs in the first Test. Opting to bat after winning the toss, Australia posted a massive total of 487 runs, with David Warner contributing 164 runs. In the bowling department for Pakistan, debutant Aamer Jamal excelled, securing a six-wicket haul. Subsequently, the hosts limited Pakistan to 271 runs, and in the third innings, Australia declared at 233 runs. Bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood each claimed a three-wicket haul, leading to Australia bowling out Pakistan for a below-par 89 runs in the fourth innings.