- Usman Khawaja plans to wear pro-Palestinian boots during the Perth Test
- Khawaja has spoken out on social media about the war in Gaza
- His position will challenge the ICC's rules on political reporting
Usman Khawaja has confirmed his plans to wear boots bearing slogans in support of the Palestinians during the Perth Test against Pakistan.
Australia's opener is a proud Muslim and has been deeply affected by the war in Gaza, which saw Israel retaliate after the October 7 Hamas attacks, and has shared videos and photos of the conflict on social media.
Images captured by Getty showed 36-year-old Khawaja wearing shoes that read: “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” during the team's training on Tuesday.
He has since confirmed to the Sydney Morning Herald that he plans to wear the same boots on Thursday, the first day of the Test match.
Khawaja's stance will challenge the rules of cricket regarding political messages during matches, with the same issue raised during the World Cup, which the Australian did not play in.
Usman Khawaja plans to wear cricket boots with a political message
Khawaja wants to wear the sneakers with pro-Palestine messages during the Pakistan Test
The final between Australia and India was interrupted by a pro-Palestinian protester who ran towards Virat Kohli wearing a 'Free Palestine' T-shirt.
In 2014, England star Moeen Ali was asked to remove wristbands reading 'Save Gaza' and 'Free Palestine' during a Test match against India.
“Players and team officials are not permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey messages via armbands or other items attached to clothing or equipment unless previously approved by the player's or team official's board of directors,” the statement said. ICC code.
“No messages will be approved that relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes.”
Born in Pakistan, Khawaja played 66 Tests for Australia, scoring 15 centuries and 24 half-centuries at an average of 47.20.
He has spoken openly about his faith in the past, crediting it with his incredible form against all odds.
“People talk about my resilience, but my resilience is about my faith,” he told The Guardian. “It's the only thing that got me dropped so many times. Without it I wouldn't be where I am today.
'I understand that many people do not believe in God and do not have the same beliefs as I do.
Khawaja has spoken out on social media about the war currently taking place in Gaza
'What I like about Islam is that there is no middleman. You are responsible for yourself and your relationship with God is between you and God.
'I question everything, including Islam. I'm not one of those people who are religious because I bury my head in the sand. I'm going to look for answers.'
He has also spoken out about how he is often stopped by overzealous security for identity checks when on duty for his country, despite wearing the Australian kit.
“Last year I was stopped three times at our hotel, while in Australian kit, and asked if I was in the Australian cricket team…,” Khawaja wrote on Twitter.