‘Will continue to fight and seek to gain approval’ – Usman Khawaja after ICC’s takedown on Pro-Palestine shoes

Usman Khawaja (Photo Source: twitter)

The upcoming Australia vs Pakistan three-match Test series has landed in controversy even before its start as Australian opener Usman Khawaja was supposed to wear shoes with a political message during the first Test at Perth Stadium, Perth beginning from Thursday, December 14. Notably, Khawaja’s shoes had “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” written on them in reference to the war in Gaza, which he also flaunted during the practice session on Tuesday.

However, in a major turn of events, the Australian batter has made a U-turn on his decision due to ICC (International Cricket Council) regulations, which was also confirmed by Australian captain Pat Cummins a day ahead of the first Test. Cummins stated that Khawaja didn’t want to make a fuss out of it and also defended his teammate for having an opinion by supporting him.

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“I spoke to him just quickly and [Khawaja] said he won’t be [wearing the statements]. It kind of drew the attention to the ICC rules which I don’t know if Uzzie was across beforehand. Uzzie doesn’t want to make too big of a fuss. On his shoes he had ‘all lives are equal’. I think that’s not very divisive. I don’t think anyone can really have too many complaints about that,” Cummins was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

“I think it’s one of our strongest points in our team is that everyone has their own passionate views and individual thoughts and I chatted to Uzzie briefly about it today. And I don’t think his intention is to make too big of a fuss, but we support him. I think what was on the shoes, ‘all lives are equal’, I support that,” Cummins added.

Following the incident, Khawaja took to his social media handles to defend his act and posted over two-minute-long video message for his fans saying that his message wasn’t political but a humanitarian appeal. The opening batter further said that he was speaking for those who don’t have a voice but also respects the decision and view of the ICC. However, he will continue to fight it and seek to gain approval for it.

Notably, the Pakistan-born batter has posted several messages on social media in recent times referring to the loss of innocent lives in the Gaza war. While ICC has no rules to restrict players from posting such messages on social media, there are strict regulations with regard to “non-compliant” wording or logos worn on clothing during international matches.

The ICC is clear on what players are allowed to wear and what they aren’t. According to the rules, players cannot have any message on their clothing or equipment unless they have gotten prior approval from their board or ICC. However, any message for political causes cannot be granted.

Cricket Australia respects Khawaja’s opinion

The ICC believes that the game should be used as a tool to “bring people and communities around the world together” but “not as a platform to draw attention to potentially divisive political issues, rhetoric or agendas”.

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Meanwhile, Cricket Australia has also released a statement on the matter and respected Khawaja’s opinion but also urged the player to abide by the ICC rules.

“We support the right of our players to express personal opinions. But the ICC has rules in place which prohibit the display of personal messages which we expect the players to uphold,” said CA in a statement.

MS Dhoni and Moeen Ali have also sported political slogans in the past

Notably, it’s not the first time that such incidents have come to light in international cricket. In 2014, England all-rounder Moeen Ali was asked to remove wristbands having the slogans “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” during a Test match in 2014.

Former India captain MS Dhoni also wore wicketkeeping gloves having an Army Insignia during India’s opening game of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 against South Africa in Southampton. The ICC quickly intervened in the matter and requested the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to ask Dhoni to not wear them and the wicketkeeper obliged.