In the lead-up to the Pakistan Test, Usman Khawaja gives a reply to the ICC over the Gaza message ban.
The batsman of the Australian cricket team, Usman Khawaja, gave an emotional statement after the International Cricket Council refused to allow him to have any written message on his shoes during the upcoming test match against Pakistan. After a horrible World Cup campaign in India, the Asian giants Pakistan are touring Australia for a bilateral Test series. Born in Islamabad, Australian batter Khawaja wanted to express his support for the people of Gaza during the Pakistan Test series.
Watch the video here.
On the eve of the bilateral series opener, Khawaja posted a video on X and shared his views about the ICC's mandate over the shoe slogan ban. Khawaja said, "Is freedom not for everyone? Are all lives not equal? To me personally, it doesn't matter what race, religion, or culture you are. I'm just speaking up for those who don't have a voice. The ICC has told me that I can't wear my shoes on the field because they believe it's a political statement under their guidelines.”
He further added, "I don't believe it is so—it's a humanitarian appeal. I will respect their view and decision, but I will fight it and seek to gain approval.”