PERTH: Cricket Australia affirmed their support for Usman Khawaja’s expression of solidarity with Gaza’s people while emphasizing the necessity for adherence to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, which prohibit displays on playing gear.
Khawaja, the batter, showcased messages of “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” on his boots during Tuesday’s training session, adorned with the colors of the Palestinian flag ahead of the first Test against Pakistan.
Reports from Australian media suggest that the Pakistan-born opener intended to wear these boots in the upcoming match at Perth Stadium starting on Thursday.
“We support the right of our players to express personal opinions, but the ICC has rules in place which prohibit the display of personal messages which we expect the players to uphold,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.
Moeen Ali, an English cricketer of Pakistani descent and Muslim faith, faced an ICC ban in 2014 for sporting wristbands advocating “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine.” In contrast, the ICC permitted players to kneel in solidarity with the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement during international matches in 2020 and 2021. Despite seeking comment, the ICC remained silent on this issue. Yet, Australia’s Sports Minister, Anika Wells, unequivocally supported Khawaja.
“I have always advocated for athletes having the right to a voice and to speak up on matters important to them,” she told local media.
“Usman Khawaja is a great athlete and a great Australian. He should have every right to speak up on matters that are important to him. “He has done so in a peaceful and respectful way. He has done so as an individual and expressed an individual opinion that does not compromise the Australian cricket team’s obligations to the ICC.”
