Cricketer Usman Khawaja swipes Aussie government over Palestine

Ahead of the Socceroos’ World Cup clash with Palestine, cricketer Usman Khawaja has teed off at the Australian government.

Cricketer Usman Khawaja has again weighed into politics, this time taking a swipe at the Australian government for its failure to formally recognise the state of Palestine.

Khawaja, 37, has previously attempted to publicly raise awareness of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and show his support for world peace, leading to reprimands from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Don’t miss all the 4K action this weekend on Kayo including selected NRL, AFL, SSN games and every qualifying session and F1 race. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial today.

With the Socceroos facing Palestine in a World Cup qualifying match in Perth on Tuesday night, Khawaja took to social media to voice his confusion over the match-up.

“Can’t wait for this,’’ he wrote on X. “Palestinian flags will be flying everywhere in HBF Park in Perth. And they can’t ban them.

“Likewise I’m confused how we are playing a country that our government doesn’t even recognise?

“Is this Socceroos v Nobody? It’s all very confusing yes.’’

Usman Khawaja and Palestine footballer Mohammed Rashid. Photos: Getty Images

Khawaja, who was born in Pakistan before moving to Australia with his family when he was four, received a number of supportive comments to his post.

One wrote: “Well said Usman. I love that the flags will be everywhere.”

Another stated: “Saddening to think even FIFA is “more inclusive” than our useless govt.”

A third wrote: “You’re a legend Uz! Thank you for speaking up about this, it means so much!”

At halftime of the match, the Socceroos had benefited from some fortunate referee calls to lead 3-0 in a clash that doesn’t have VAR.

Kusini Yengi has a brace for the Aussies, with a solid crowd in attendance in Perth.

Khawaja has played 73 Tests and scored 5,451 runs since his debut back in 2011.

He has scored 15 career Test tons, including three in 2023, winning that year’s ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award and being named in Wisden’s five cricketers of the year for 2024.

After being dropped a couple of times in his career, Khawaja has been a mainstay in the Australian side since his recall in January 2022.

Khawaja (left), with teammate Marnus Labuschagne, is a key member of the Australian side. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP)

Off the field, the right-handed batter became embroiled in a series of controversies last summer.

Khawaja wore shoes with the slogans “freedom is a human right” and “all lives are equal” in the nets before Australia’s first Test against Pakistan in Perth in December.

The writing was made in red, green and black – the colours of the Palestinian flag.

He was warned by the ICC that he faced heavy sanctions if he wore the shoes during the match, given the governing body has rules in place that prohibit the display of personal messages that relate to politics, religion or race.

Khawaja had sought permission to wear the personalised footwear at the MCG, but his hopes were squashed by the governing body.

While the messages on his shoes were covered over with tape, Khawaja strolled out to the crease on the opening day of the Test with a black armband around his left arm.

The Socceroos are taking on Palestine on Tuesday night. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

In a statement issued to News Corp at the time, the ICC confirmed the Australian opener had been charged over the move.

“Usman Khawaja has been charged for breaching Clause F of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations, which can be found on the ICC Playing Conditions page. The sanctions for a breach of the regulations are outlined in Appendix 2,” an ICC spokesperson said.

“Usman displayed a personal message (arm band) during the 1st 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 offence is a reprimand.”

The shoes of Usman Khawaja with tape covering the message "All lives matter" during day one of the first Test against Pakistan at Optus Stadium on December 14, 2023. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Khawaja was again intent on making a statement by placing a peace dove emblem on his bat and shoes, but that was again denied by the ICC

After the issue with the messages on his shoes, the cricket star made an impassioned plea on social media and accused the ICC of double standards.

“The ICC have told me that I can’t wear my shoes on the field because they believe it’s a political statement under their guidelines,” he said in part.

“I don’t believe it is so. It’s a humanitarian appeal.

“I will respect their view and their decision but I will fight it and seek to gain approval.

“Freedom is a human right and all lives are equal. I will never stop believing that, whether you agree with me or not.”