World Cup hero Travis Head has backed Usman Khawaja in his bid to share a 'humanitarian message' of peace during the first Test amid the Gaza war – and says the rest of the team is backing him too.
Khawaja, a proud Muslim, unveiled plans to wear shoes with the slogans 'freedom is a human right' and 'all lives matter' during Australia's match against Pakistan in Perth on Thursday.
However, cricket's governing body has directed Khawaja to 'enforce' the rules banning the display of personal messages.
“We support our players' right to express personal opinions,” a statement from Cricket Australia said.
“But the ICC has put in place rules banning the display of personal messages, which we expect the players to adhere to.”
Travis Head has given his full support to Usman Khawaja in the star player's attempt to share a 'humanitarian message' during the Gaza war
The proud Muslim wore shoes with the slogan 'Freedom is a human right'
Australian treasurer Jim Chalmers has thrown his support behind the Australian batsman, saying the words 'all lives are equal' are undisputed.
“I don't think it's a particularly controversial statement,” Dr. Chalmers said Thursday.
'The lives on one side of a conflict are worth no more or less than the lives on the other side of the conflict.'
On Wednesday evening, Head took to social media to show his support for his teammate.
'We stand with Usman Khawaja! All lives are equal,” he wrote on X.
Many cricket fans were impressed by the Australian Test vice-captain's statement of solidarity and rushed to congratulate him in the reply section.
“You're a legend Travis – thank you!” wrote one fan.
“These look like the values Australia should aspire to. It's disgusting that common decency is being slighted,” said another.
'Standing on the side of humanity and your teammate. Well done,” a third replied.
A smaller contingent of supporters disagreed with Head's statement.
'All lives are equal. Then walk out with a Star of David on your shoes,” one user wrote.
“Then you have to play in Palestine, Iran, Pakistan,” wrote another.
“But only the Palestinian colors on his shoes tell what he really means,” said a third.
Khawaja's controversial act has divided opinion in the sporting world, with former Australian all-rounder Simon O'Donnell condemning the silent protest.
“I personally fully respect Usman Khawaja's beliefs… he should be able to express his beliefs on his own platform,” he told SEN.
“But even though he represents Australia, he has no right to express his personal beliefs and pass them on to others.”
Ex-Australian pacer Rodney Hogg had a similar view to O'Donnell
“We, the Australian public, want to see our players play for Australia and not make political statements,” Hogg wrote in a statement on his Facebook account.
'Cricket Australia is reviewing their contracts or they will turn supporters away from the game.'
Khawaja says he will fight the ban on his attempt to spread a 'humanitarian message'
The 36-year-old says he is not political and does not take sides in the conflict
Captain Pat Cummins came out before the start of the game on Thursday to give Khawaja his support.
“I think they (the team) are at their best when each individual can bring themselves to that group and have their own individual passions and strengths,” he said.
'I think that's when groups function at their best. And I love that a lot of our guys are passionate about things and they feel comfortable enough to talk about those things.”
Khawaja has since taken to social media to respond to CA's stance and insisted that he will try to get approval to wear the shoes.
“I noticed that what I wrote on my shoes has caused a bit of a stir. “I won't say much, there's no need,” he said.
“But what I do want is for anyone who has felt offended in some way to ask themselves these questions.
'Isn't freedom for everyone? Aren't all lives equal? For me personally, it doesn't matter what race, religion or culture you are.
'Let's be honest about it. When I say that all lives are equal, people get offended to the point where they call me up and say, isn't that the bigger problem?
'These people clearly don't believe what I wrote. It's not just about a handful of people. You would be shocked to see how many people feel this way.
'What I wrote on my shoes is not political. I don't take sides. For me, human life is equal. One Jewish life equals one Muslim life, equals one Hindu life, and so on. I only stand up for those who have no voice.
'This is close to my heart. When I see thousands of innocent children dying without any repercussions or remorse, I pictured my two girls. What if this was them?
'No one chooses where they are born. And then I see the world turning its back on them. My heart can't handle it.
'I already had the feeling that my life was not equal to others growing up. But luckily for me, I've never lived in a world where that lack of equality was life or death.
“I have been told by the ICC that I cannot wear my boots on the pitch as they believe this is a political statement under their guidelines. I don't believe this is so; it is a humanitarian call.
“I will respect their opinion and decision, but I will fight it and try to get approval.
'Freedom is a human right. And all lives are equal. I will always believe that, whether you agree with me or not.”