Cricket great issues warning to Usman Khawaja over political protests

A cricketer who lost his career over his political stances has issued a stark warning to Usman Khawaja and his ongoing protests.

A cricket great has delivered a warning to Australian star Usman Khawaja over his political stances on the field.

Khawaja thrust himself into the spotlight ahead of the opening Test against Pakistan when he was pictured wearing footwear with the message “freedom is a human right” and “all lives are equal”.

Watch Australia v Pakistan on Kayo Sports. Every Test match Live with no ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >

While he ultimately didn’t wear the footwear after being warned by the ICC that he would have faced heavy sanctions, he performed another subtle protest during the Test.

The opening batsman wore a black armband during Australia’s 360-run victory, a move that was done without permission from the ICC.

All players must first get permission from their home cricket board and the ICC before wearing armbands — or risk being found in breach of ICC rules.

In an interview with News Corp, former Zimbabwean cricketer Henry Olonga has come out and voiced his support for Khawaja’s stance, but warned him it could also bring about an early end to his career.

Olonga delivered arguably the most notable protest when he and former teammate Andrew Flower word black armbands during the 2003 Cricket World Cup.

Their stance was done to mourn “the death of democracy” under the country’s president Robert Mugabe.

Olonga’s career for his country came to an end during the World Cup.

Henry Olonga, wears a black arm band while watching his side batting in their Cricket World Cup match against Namibia in Harare. (AP Photo/str)

Khawaja was charged by the ICC over his armband. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

“The same people saying politics and sport don’t mix are the same people parading (Australian Prime Minister) Anthony Albanese and (Indian Prime Minister) Narendra Modi in a chariot at the cricket in India,’’ Olonga said to News Corp.

“So when it is convenient for the ICC they are happy to parade politicians so it’s hard with clean hands for them to come down on Uzzy.

“My concern is that if Uzzy digs his heels in he may well find himself on the wrong side of everything.

“In the case of Israel Folau he kept going and lost his career. I kept going and I lost my career. History will suggest if Uzzy keeps going this could end his career. I hope it doesn’t. I hope Australia is a much more tolerant country.”

Usman Khawaja's protest plans blocked

Khawaja’s hopes of delivering a human rights protest at the Boxing Day Test were emphatically shut down on Thursday by Cricket Australia.

The Aussie opener sought permission to wear the personalised footwear at the MCG, but his hopes were squashed by the governing body, The Australian reported.

While Khawaja won’t be allowed to wear the footwear, News Corp cricket writer Peter Lalor says other avenues are being explored.

Khawaja said it was unfair the governing body stepped in to stop him from delivering his message.

He pointed out inconsistencies in the ICC’s rulings where some players have previously been approved to show personal messages that surrounded topics of politics, religion or race.