Opening batsman Usman Khawaja is planning to wear shoes carrying a special message for Palestinians in Gaza, during the first Australia vs Pakistan Test in Perth, starting Thursday, as per a report in Stuff.co.nz. It suggests that the batsman has been deeply affected by what has been transpiring in Gaza since October 7.
During one of the practice sessions too, he wore shoes, that read, ‘Freedom is a human right’ and ‘All lives are equal’. Meanwhile, Khawaja told the Sydney Morning Herald, that he would wear the shoes on the first day of play as well.
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All said and done, this might just give rise to another controversy. Back in the World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia, a pro-Palestine demonstrator had interrupted the match. Such kind of gestures are not uncommon in cricket, but ICC has a tough stance on it. Back in 2014, England all-rounder Moeen Ali too had done something similar.
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Ali wore wristbands reading, ‘Save Gaza’ and ‘Free Palestine’ in a Test against India.
Back then, the ICC spokesperson said: “The ICC equipment and clothing regulations do not permit the display of messages that relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes during an international match. Moeen Ali was told by the match referee that while he is free to express his views on such causes away from the cricket field, he is not permitted to wear the wristbands on the field of play and warned not to wear the bands again during an international match.”
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