Vowing up to his decision to continue supporting Gaza, Australian batter Usman Khawaja wore a black armband during the first Test match against Pakistan at Perth.
ICC had barred Usman Khawaja from wearing the shoes wielding the message all lives matter and freedom for all, he wore during the practice session. ICC deemed the shoes as violations of its code of conduct that bars players from putting up political slogans and logos on the field.
Respecting the decision of ICC, he announced that he won’t wear those shoes again. He, however, pledged that he would fight back the ban.
He released a video message on his X account on Wednesday, and expressed his discontentment on the ban from ICC.
In his video message, he said that the message is not political but instead is a general humanitarian message urging to respect human lives and freedom.
https://x.com/Uz_Khawaja/status/1734830493890404372?s=20
The cricketer said that he is not taking sides but it is a bigger question if people are getting offended by him saying ‘all lives are equal’. He further added that to him one Jewish life is equal to one Muslim life.
Read more: Usman Khawaja decides to fight ICC ban on Gaza message
The Australian batter said he is speaking up for those who do not have a voice. He will speak up when he will see thousands of children dying.
“No one chooses where they are born… I already felt my life wasn’t equal to others when I was growing up. But luckily for me, I have never lived in a world where the lack of inequality was life or death,” he said.
He said that ICC views it as a political statement but I see it as a humanitarian appeal. “I will respect (the International Cricket Council’s) view and decision, but I will fight it and seek to gain approval,” he said further.
Khwaja has been raising his voice for the people of Gaza on social media accounts calling for a ceasefire.