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NEW DELHI: Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has decided not to wear shoes adorned with messages highlighting the situation in Gaza during the first Test against Pakistan, according to captain Pat Cummins.
Khawaja, who hails from Pakistan, had handwritten slogans such as “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” on his footwear during training this week.
Cummins addressed the media on Wednesday, stating, “I spoke to him just quickly and he said he won’t be. Uzzie doesn’t want to make too big of a fuss.”
This decision aligns with the International Cricket Council‘s (ICC) regulations, which explicitly prohibit messages related to politics, religion, or race during matches.
Khawaja had previously shared a video from the children’s charity UNICEF on Instagram, expressing his concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. In his comment, Khawaja, who is Muslim, questioned the disregard for innocent lives based on factors such as skin color or religion.
(Getty Images)
Australian sports minister Anika Wells voiced her perspective, saying, “I think he has done it in a peaceful and respectful way.”
Cricket Australia released a statement expressing its support for players expressing personal opinions but emphasized adherence to ICC regulations prohibiting the display of personal messages. The governing body expects players to uphold these rules.
This incident brings to mind the 2014 ban on England all-rounder Moeen Ali for wearing wristbands with the messages “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” during a home Test, underscoring the ICC’s consistent stance on preventing political expressions during matches.
The cricketing community awaits the upcoming Test match between Australia and Pakistan, set to commence under the watchful eye of the ICC regulations.
(With inputs from AFP)
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