Usman Khawaja was prevented from carrying out his original plan to wear sneakers bearing the slogan “All Lives Are Equal” by the ICC.
Usman Khawaja, Australia’s opening batsman, wore a black armband as he came out to bat in the first Test match against Pakistan on Thursday after captain Pat Cummins won the toss and decided to bat. Khawaja’s gesture is an expression of support for those affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. The International Cricket Council (ICC) prevented the batter, who was born in Pakistan, from wearing the symbolic “All Lives Are Equal” shoes that she had originally intended to wear. He chose to wear the same shoes as a result, but he taped over the message.
Nonetheless, Khawaja’s most recent armband gesture for those caught in the Israel-Palestine conflict makes it rather evident what he intends to accomplish.
Respect for Usman Khawaja
He is wearing a black armband for the people who are suffering as earlier ICC imposed some restrictions upon him.#PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/cWSU5taw1L
— Waqar Younas (@waqar_younas158) December 14, 2023
Respect for Usman Khawaja
He is wearing a black armband for the people who are suffering as earlier ICC imposed some restrictions upon him.#PAKvAUS#PakvAus pic.twitter.com/wNPZh2XWvL
— Aamir Shahzad Gujjar (@aamirmbdin) December 14, 2023
To show his support for the people suffering in the Middle East, Usman Khawaja is sporting a black armband during this test. That’s an individual decision.
— Oliver Caffrey (@ollycaffrey) December 14, 2023
After it was established that he would not be sporting any inscriptions inscribed on his shoes, Khawaja had previously declared that he would battle the ICC for his freedom to voice humanitarian opinions while playing.
“It’s not political what I wrote on my sneakers. I refuse to pick sides. I see human life as equal. A Jewish life is equivalent to a Muslim life, which is equivalent to a Hindu life, and so forth. Speaking up for those without a voice is all I’m doing, Khawaja said to Channel 7.
Before captain Pat Cummins’ pre-match news conference on Wednesday, Cricket Australia released a statement in which it stated, “We support our players’ right to express personal opinions.” However, we expect the players to respect the ICC’s rules, which forbid the display of private correspondence.”
Additionally, Cummins stated that he had spoken with the first batter that would not be wearing the messages on his shoes during the game. The captain added his endorsement of Khawaja’s “all lives are equal” stance.
“I spoke to him just quickly and [Khawaja] said he wouldn’t be [wearing the statements],” Cummins stated.
