Australian opener Usman Khawaja is refusing to stay silent after ICC reprimanded the Aussie batter for wearing a black armband in protest of the Israel-Hamas.
Australia’s 1st Test against Pakistan saw Usman Khawaja wear the anti war slogan shoes in the match which was later banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
However, that didn’t stop Khawaja from supporting the cause he believes in as the 37-year-old went on to sport a black armband with a slogan ‘All lives are equal’.
With the 1st Test ending in Australia defeating Pakistan by a massive 360-run margin, the ICC decided to call out the gesture and have reprimanded him for the slogan supporting Palestinians in Gaza.
“Usman displayed a personal message (armband) during the first test match against Pakistan without seeking the prior approval of Cricket Australia and the ICC to display it, as required in the regulations for personal messages. This is a breach under the category of an ‘other breach’ and the sanction for a first offense is a reprimand.” ICC spokesperson said.
Thank you to all those who supported and gave me love this week. It wasn’t unnoticed 💕. Nothing worthwhile is easy. History shows we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of our past. But together we can fight for a better future. 🙏🏾 #freedomisahumanright #alllivesareequal pic.twitter.com/HAhbebDbCT
— Usman Khawaja (@Uz_Khawaja) December 18, 2023
Usman Khawaja has now decided to fight ICC on the issue as many fans sided with the opener and want ICC to not take any serious action against player.
“I respect what the ICC (says) and the rules and regulations they have,” Khawaja said. “I will be asking them and contesting they make it fair and equitable for everyone and they have consistency in how they officiate. That consistency hasn’t been done yet.”
Support From the Prime Minister
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also supported Khawaja’s slogan and voiced his opinion on the same as well.
“I think Usman Khawaja is a great Australian cricketer and that the position that he put forward is . . . pretty uncontroversial, one that ‘all lives are equal’ is a sentiment that I think is uncontroversial. Usman Khawaja made his position clear, which is he didn’t see it as a political statement.” Albanese said.
