Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja is set to make a bold statement during the upcoming Perth Test against Pakistan by wearing shoes adorned with slogans in support of Palestinians affected by the Gaza conflict.
Usman Khawaja, known for his active social stance on global issues, was seen sporting shoes inscribed with messages like “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” during the team’s recent training session.
Usman Khawaja might be stopped from taking the field on Day 1 of the Perth Test unless he removes the pro Palestine slogan from his shoes.
Cricket Australia has supported Khawaja, but ICC prohibits the display of personal messages. (The Age). pic.twitter.com/JYRd3aBfJt
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 13, 2023
Khawaja’s plan to wear these shoes during the first day of play on December 14 raises questions about cricket’s regulations concerning political expressions. In response, Cricket Australia shared their position, expressing support for players’ personal opinions while emphasizing the ICC’s rules that discourage the display of personal messages during matches.
Consistently echoing the same sentiments on social media, Usman Khawaja has voiced concerns about the Gaza conflict. While there are no specific ICC regulations governing players’ social media posts on such matters, there are stringent rules regarding non-compliant messages or logos on clothing during international matches.
Usman Khawaja is a man of great integrity. He doesn't do anything without thinking deeply about it. I support his right to freedom of speech and so should you. #Cricket pic.twitter.com/posYw2Zuv6
— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) December 13, 2023
England’s Moeen Ali faced ICC intervention in 2014 when asked to remove wristbands bearing slogans related to Gaza during a Test match, highlighting the strict ICC stance on on-field displays.
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