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Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja recently addressed the media, clarifying his stance following a controversy related to his choice of footwear prior to the first Test against Pakistan in Perth. Khawaja had planned to wear shoes inscribed with the message 'all lives are equal' as a show of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. However, this gesture was not approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC), leading him to wear a black armband during the match instead. Subsequently, the ICC issued a reprimand for this action.
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During the press conference, Khawaja, a left-handed batsman, spoke on the topic of 'human rights'. He emphasized that his actions were not driven by any 'hidden agendas' and that his intentions were not to offend any religious sentiments. His aim was to bring attention to a cause he felt strongly about, without causing any controversy or harm.
"I don't have any agendas other than trying to shine a light on what I feel really passionately, really strong about. I'm trying to do it in the most respectful way as possible. What I wrote in my shoes was really... I thought about it for a while, what I was going to write. I made sure that I did not want to segregate different parts of the population, religious beliefs and communities. That's why I've kept religion out of this," Khawaja was quoted as saying.
"I wanted it to be really broad over my speaking because I'm talking about humanitarian issues. I'm talking about article one of the unified Declaration of Human Rights. That is literally the crux of it. The reason I'm doing it is because it hit me hard. I told Nick literally just this morning that when I'm looking at my Instagram, and I'm seeing kids, innocent kids, videos of them dying, passing away, that's what hit me the hardest," he stated.
This incident has put Khawaja in the spotlight as he prepares for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Pakistan, scheduled to begin on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This match is particularly significant as Australia leads the series 1-0 following their comprehensive 360-run victory in the first Test, where Khawaja contributed significantly with scores of 41 and 90.
"I just imagine my young daughter in my arms and the same thing. I get emotional talking about it right again now. And for me, that's the reason I am doing this. I don't have any hidden agendas. If anything, you know, if anything, this brings up more negativity towards me. People come and start attacking m," Khawaja continued.
"I don't get anything out of this. I just feel like it's my responsibility to speak up on this. We live in such a beautiful country. I'm blessed to be able to go to Australia, I can walk outside. I don't have to worry about a thing. My kids can do the same. I just what that for the rest of the world and that's literally the reason I'm saying this," he added.
Khawaja's recent comments and his performance on the field demonstrate his focus both as a cricketer and an individual concerned with global issues. His approach to addressing these matters publicly shows a desire to engage with important social topics while maintaining his professionalism as an international athlete. The upcoming Boxing Day Test will not only be a crucial one for Australia in their series against Pakistan but also for Khawaja as he continues to navigate his role as a sportsman and a public figure.
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