Australian opener Usman Khawaja defied captain Pat Cummins as he said that he will fight the International Cricket Council (ICC) guidelines and get approval to wear shoes sporting the slogans 'All lives are equal' and 'Freedom is a human right'.
Khawaja sported shoes with slogans supporting Gaza during Australia's net session ahead of the first Test of the three-Test series against Pakistan in Perth. He had planned to wear them during the first Test but was told otherwise as it would mean breaching the rules of the apex cricket board.
A few hours after Cummins addressed the pre-match press conference on the eve of the first Test, Khawaja took to Instagram to post a video.
"I've noticed what I've written on my shoes has caused a little bit of a stir. I won't say much, I don't need to. But what I do want is for everyone who did get offended, somehow, is to ask yourself these questions.
"Is freedom not for everyone? Are all lives not equal?
"To me personally, it doesn't matter what race, religion or culture you are.
"Let's be honest about it. If me saying all lives are equal as a resulted people being offended, to the point where they're calling me up, and telling me, well isn't that the bigger problem?
"These people obviously don't believe in what I've written. It's not just a handful of people. You'd be shocked about how many feel this way.
"What I've written on my shoes isn't political. I'm not taking sides. Human life to me is equal. One Jewish life is equal to one Muslim life is equal to one Hindu life and so on. I'm just speaking up for those who don't have a voice.
"This is close to my heart. When I see thousands of innocent children dying, without any repercussions, or remorse I imagined my two girls. What if this was them?
"No one chooses where they're born. And then I see the world turn their backs on them. My heart can't take it.
"I already feel my life wasn't equal to others when I was growing up. But luckily for me, I never lived in a world where that lack of equality was life or death.
"The ICC have told me that I can't wear my shoes on field because they believe it's a political statement under their guidelines. I don't believe it is so - it's a humanitarian appeal.
"I will respect their view and decision but I will fight it and seek to gain approval.
"Freedom is a human right. And all lives are equal. I will never stop believing that, whether you agree with me or not," said the 36-year-old.
As per the ICC Code of Conduct, a player is not allowed to wear, display or convey messages via arm bands or other items on clothing or equipment without taking the board's approval. Personal opinions on political, religious and racial issues are not to be conveyed by the players.
Last month, Khawaja shared an emotional post for children suffering in Gaza after his daughter had to go to the hospital after an allergic reaction to a bite in the garden. Khawaja shared photos of her daughter Aisha using a smartphone in the hospital and triggering photos of children suffering in Gaza. He thanked his parents for bringing him to Australia and clarified that his post was not political but about human rights.
In the first Test, Khawaja will be opening the innings alongside David Warner who is playing in his farewell Test series. It is yet to be seen whether Islamabad-born batter will get the approval from ICC or not.
Earlier, during ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan dedicated his match-winning century against Sri Lanka to the people of Gaza. The ICC did not take action against Rizwan as he posted the message on his social media account.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Rinku Singh's massive six off South Africa captain Aiden Markram breaks commentary box's glass, watch video
IND vs SA 2nd T20I: South Africa batters smash their way to 5-wicket win in rain-interrupted encounter as Rinku-Surya's fifties went in vain
