Why Usman Khawaja Won’t Wear ‘Pro Palestine’ Shoes During AUS vs PAK 1st Test

Cricket Australia has responded to Test cricketer Usman Khawaja’s intention to display on-field messages concerning the Israel-Gaza conflict. While acknowledging players’ rights to express personal opinions, the cricketing body emphasised compliance with the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules regarding such displays.

During a training session in Perth, Usman Khawaja was observed wearing shoes inscribed with hand-written messages like “freedom is a human right” and “all lives are equal.” The 35-year-old expressed his desire to wear these shoes during the Perth Test.

In a statement, Cricket Australia clarified its position, stating, “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.”

Australia captain Pat Cummins addressed the situation, mentioning that he had discussed it with Usman Khawaja. Khawaja indicated that he would not wear the shoes on the field during the Perth Test.

Cummins highlighted the team’s diversity of views and showed support for Khawaja’s stance, viewing it as non-controversial. “I think he had ‘all lives are equal.’ I don’t think that’s very divisive. I don’t think anyone can have too many complaints about that,” Cummins stated ahead of the AUS vs PAK 1st Test match.

Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells also commented on the matter, stating that she didn’t believe Khawaja’s decision would breach ICC rules. She praised Usman Khawaja for expressing his views peacefully and respectfully, aligning with individual opinions without compromising the team’s obligations to the ICC.

In a reminiscent incident almost a decade ago, England batsman Moeen Ali was prohibited by the ICC from displaying wristbands bearing the slogans “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine.” Ali had intended to wear the wristbands in a Test against India in Southampton in 2014. Initially approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board, the wristbands’ use in the Test was later banned by ICC match referee David Boon.