Usman Khawaja Determined to Challenge Ban on Political Message on Shoes during Test
Australia cricketer Usman Khawaja determined to challenge ICC ban on displaying all lives are equal message on his shoes during Perth Test match, emphasizing his commitment to fighting for equality
Australia cricketer Usman Khawaja is determined to seek permission to wear shoes bearing the message "all lives are equal" during an upcoming Test match in Perth, despite being informed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it would violate their regulations. The batsman, who is of Pakistani descent and practices the Muslim faith, was captured training in a pair of shoes displaying the phrase in red, green, and black. Additionally, it was reported that the words "freedom is a human right" were inscribed on the other shoe.
In an Instagram video posted on Wednesday, Khawaja stated that ICC officials informed him that he couldn't wear the shoes on the field because they considered it a political statement. Khawaja disagreed, arguing that it was a humanitarian appeal. He expressed respect for their decision but also stated his intention to challenge and seek approval for wearing the shoes.
When contacted by CNN for a comment, the ICC directed attention to page 7 of its regulations titled "Playing: Clothing and Equipment Regulations - Effective May 2023."
According to the ICC's guidelines, "Approval will not be given for messages that are associated with political, religious, or racial activities or causes. The ICC retains the ultimate decision-making authority in determining the approval of any such message."
CNN has also reached out to Cricket Australia for comment.
Khawajas message struck a chord on social media, where some came out in strong support of the player, while others criticized his stance.
In a video, he acknowledged the controversy stirred by the message written on his shoes. Without going into detail, he expressed his desire for those who were offended to consider whether freedom is universal and if all lives are truly equal.
Khawaja's latest video message did not directly mention the Israel-Hamas war, but he has recently posted in support of Palestinians as Israel continues to bomb the Gaza Strip in response to the October 7 Hamas attacks that resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people. The Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health reported that as of Monday, more than 18,000 people had been killed in Israel's bombardment of the strip.
Khawaja stated that the phrases on his shoes were not political. In the video, he emphasized, "I am not choosing a side. Every human life holds equal value to me. A Jewish life is equal to a Muslim life is equal to a Hindu life, and so on."
The shoes of Usman Khawaja pictured during an Australian nets session the at the WACA on December 11, 2023 in Perth, Australia.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers voiced his support for Khawaja in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday, stating that the ICC should permit him to display the message.
"All lives are equal, and they should allow him to wear the shoes. I don't think it's an especially controversial statement," he expressed. "I find it peculiar that people want to argue that the lives on one side of a conflict hold more or less value than those on the other side of the conflict."
The leaders of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand - three of the United States' closest allies - released a joint statement on Tuesday, urging for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. This came shortly before the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution demanding a ceasefire.
Australia was part of a group of 153 countries that supported the resolution, showing a contrast with the US, which was one of only 10 nations that opposed it. An additional 23 countries chose to abstain.
The five-game Test series between Australia and Pakistan will begin on Thursday at Optus Stadium in Perth.
