Usman Khawaja, an Australian batsman who was born in Pakistan, declared on Wednesday that he will contest the International Cricket Council‘s (ICC) ruling allowing him to wear his shoes while playing and that the remarks he made on them supporting the Gaza Strip were not political.
During this week’s training, the 36-year-old opening hitter had the words “All lives are equal” and “Freedom is a human right” etched on his sneakers.
Khawaja, a Muslim, has asked to be a part of Pakistan’s team for their first Test match, which takes place in Perth this Thursday.
The ICC Code of Conduct states that players are not allowed to show off, wear, or make remarks via arm bands or other items on clothing or equipment without authorization. Sending communications about political, religious, or racial causes or events is prohibited.
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On Thursday, Khawaja posted a touching video to the social networking platform X following the game. On Wednesday, though, Australian captain Pat Cummins disclosed that the Pakistani-born player had made a vow not to disclose the messages during the match.
After all, isn’t freedom a universal human right? Is it accurate to say that life originated everywhere? Khawaja asked.
I think it doesn’t matter what color, religion, or cultural background someone comes from. He said, “I’m just speaking up for people who don’t have a voice.”
“The International Court of Justice (ICC) has informed me that I am not allowed to wear my shoes on the field because they view it as a political statement that violates their policies,” said the person at issue.
He said, “I don’t think it’s true; it’s a humanitarian appeal.” “I will fight it and try to win their approval, but I will respect their opinion and decision,” he said.
When a reporter requested a comment on Wednesday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) directed her to the relevant laws. These passages make it very evident that the global ruling elite determines what constitutes a “political, religious, or racial cause” and what is appropriate.
According to Cricket Australia, it respected the players’ right to free expression.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) said in an official statement, “But we expect the players to uphold the rules that prohibit the display of personal messages.”
Tweet of Usman Khawaja
Four days ago, Khawaja shared a video on Instagram from the children’s organization Unicef, which is based in Gaza.
He remarked, “Do people not care about innocent humans being killed?” in response to the message.
Or does the hue of their skin make them less important? or the religion they adhere to?” he asked.
In his message from Wednesday, Khawaja admitted that some people had criticized his stance.
“But let’s face it, isn’t the bigger issue the fact that my statement that all lives are equal has offended people to the extent that they’re calling me and berating me?” asked the individual.
The ICC forbade England all-rounder Moeen Ali from wearing wristbands with the phrases “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” during a home Test match in 2014.
In 2020 and 2021, the ICC allowed athletes to “take the knee” in solidarity with the “Black Lives Matter” movement before international matches.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Minister of Sports, Anika Wells, was a major fan of Khawaja.
“A fantastic athlete and fellow Australian, Usman Khawaja is.” In her next statement, she stated, “He should be able to voice his opinions on issues that are significant to him.”
“He has behaved independently and expressed a personal opinion that does not conflict with the Australian cricket team’s obligations to the International Cricket Council,” she said. He handled things with grace and consideration.”
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