Why Usman Khawaja IS wearing his pro-Palestine shoes at Pakistan Test despite being banned from making statement – as he blasts cricket bosses as hypocrites
- Khawaja vowed to fight the ban on displaying messages
- Shoes feature the words 'all lives matter' and 'freedom is a human right'
- Supported by teammates Pat Cummins and Travis Head
Australian cricket star Usman Khawaja has decided to wear his boots with the message 'freedom is a human right' and 'all lives matter' during the first Test against Pakistan, despite being banned by Cricket Australia.
However, it was revealed that he opted to use tape to cover up the slogans shortly before the start of the game on Thursday.
Khawaja had vowed to challenge the ban shortly after it was announced on Wednesday and remained defiant in an interview at Optus Stadium in Perth just before the first bowl was due to be bowled.
Khawaja expressed his frustration after International Cricket Council rules banned him from using his boots to make a statement on the war in Gaza during the first Test against Pakistan.
'All lives matter' and 'freedom is a human right' are on the star player's shoes – which he has chosen to wear despite the ban after covering the slogans with tape
The opening batsman spoke about his thoughts on the ban and why he finds it hypocritical as he believes other cricketers are allowed to make political and religious statements during matches.
'It's just a bit disappointing. “I don't really see the controversy in saying that all lives matter and that freedom is a human right,” he told Fox Sports on Thursday.
'I don't see where it becomes political… I find it difficult to accept that people find what I said distasteful.
'It makes me a bit uncomfortable that people find those words uncomfortable.
“It's been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster the last few months, I think. I will always stand up for what I believe in, even if people don't agree with me or don't like it when I say so.
Pictured: Khawaja's taped boots shortly before the start of play on Thursday
The star batsman (pictured at Optus Stadium before the start of the match on Thursday) hit out at the International Cricket Council for what he says is a double standard over political statements.
'I want to look back on my career and say, look, I stood up for my values, I respect what I did on the pitch, but I also respect myself for what I did off the pitch… that means more to me .'
Asked about his emotional reaction when the ban came into effect, Khawaja said he was frustrated as he saw it as cricket with a double standard.
“So much has happened in the past that sets a precedent,” he said.
“I fully support Black Lives Matter (which supported the Australian team by taking a knee in a 2022 Test against the West Indies).
'There are plenty of guys who have written on their shoes before. Other guys have religious stuff on their gear.
'According to the ICC (International Cricket Council) guidelines, that is technically not allowed, but the ICC never says anything about that.
“So I'm a little disappointed that they came down hard on me, and they don't always come down hard on everyone else.
“All I can do is fight it (the ban) the right way and however I can.”