Cricket Australia yesterday said they backed Usman Khawaja’s right to express his support for the people of Gaza, but expected him to conform to International Cricket Council (ICC) rules banning displays on his playing equipment.
Batter Khawaja had the messages “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” written on his boots in the colors of the Palestinian flag in Tuesday’s training for the first test against Pakistan.
Australian media reports said the Pakistan-born opener intended to wear the boots during the match, which starts today at Perth Stadium.
Photo: AFP
“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.
Captain Pat Cummins later told a media conference that Khawaja had decided against wearing the boots during the match.
“Uzzie doesn’t want to make too big of a fuss,” he said. “On his shoes he had, ‘all lives are equal.’ I think that’s not very divisive. I don’t think anyone can really have too many complaints about that.”
The ICC Code of Conduct forbids players wearing, displaying or conveying messages through arm bands or other items on clothing or equipment without prior approval.
Messages related to political, religious or racial activities or causes are not allowed.
England batsman Moeen Ali, who like Khawaja is a Muslim with Pakistani heritage, was banned by the ICC in 2014 from wearing wristbands featuring the slogans “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine.”
However, the ICC allowed players to “take the knee” before international matches in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 and 2021.
Australian Minister for Sport Anika Wells gave Khawaja her full backing.
“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.
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