Spectators displaying a banner echoing the message Usman Khawaja had on his shoes during a practice session were evicted by Perth Stadium authorities on the fourth day of the first Test Test between Australia and Pakistan.
Before the first Test against Pakistan, Khawaja wore shoes with the messages “All lives are equal” and “Freedom is a human right”, seemingly supporting victims of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
On December 17, the banner was displayed for at least 10 to 15 minutes before being confiscated.
The ICC asked Khawaja to remove the message, as it violated their clothing and equipment regulations. Although cricketers can seek prior approval for messages, the rules state that “approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes.”
Khawaja received support from his captain Pat Cummins. During the match, the 36-year-old taped the message and entered the field wearing a plain black armband, expressing his intention to challenge the ICC ban.
On the fourth day of the Test match in Perth, a spectator unfurled a five-metre banner echoing the same message as Khawaja's shoe, hanging it over the railing on the fifth level at the southern end. The spectator also voiced pro-Palestine slogans.
Security promptly removed the banner and ejected the spectators, along with some other fans. Subsequently, the stadium authorities released a statement, stating, "A sign was removed because it violated Cricket Australia’s terms and conditions of entry. Some patrons were removed due to antisocial behaviour, not because of the sign."
During the World Cup final in Ahmedabad last month, an Australian citizen wearing a t-shirt with the words “Stop bombing Palestine” invaded the pitch, leading to removal by security and subsequent arrest by the police.
Australia declared at 233/5 (Khawaja followed his first-innings 41 with 90), setting Pakistan a target of 450. Unfortunately, the visitors could only manage a score of 89, resulting in a substantial defeat by 360 runs.
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