Usman Khawaja should be able to wear shoes in support of people in Gaza, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says

The Treasurer has thrown his weight behind Australian batsman Usman Khawaja in his fight to wear shoes with slogans in support of people in Gaza.

Usman Khawaja should be allowed to wear shoes bearing the words “all lives are equal” as the statement is uncontroversial, Jim Chalmers says.

The Treasurer spoke out against the ICC’s ruling to ban the Australian batsman for displaying the human rights messages on his shoes during the first Test against Pakistan in Perth.

“I don’t think it’s an especially controversial statement,” Dr Chalmers said on Thursday morning.

“The lives on one side of a conflict are not worth any more or any less than the lives on the other side of the conflict.”

Khawaja, the first Muslim player to represent Australia, was pictured at training on Tuesday with “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” written across his Nike-branded footwear.

Australian batsman Usman Khawaja vowed to fight the ruling.

But on Wednesday, the batsman revealed the ICC would not allow him to wear them.

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

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

Under ICC rules, Khawaja could be sidelined from the match if he wore the shoes without approval.

We stand with Usman Khawaja!
All lives are Equal. pic.twitter.com/SnJTTtJbRl

— Travis Head (@ImTravisHead) December 13, 2023

Cricket Australia said it supported the right of players to express personal opinions but it expected players to uphold ICC rules.

In an emotional video posted to social media, Khawaja vowed to fight the ruling.

“I’m not taking sides. Human life to me is equal,“ he said.

Jim Chalmers said he disagreed with the ICC ruling. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“One Jewish life is equal to one Muslim life is equal to one Hindu life and so on. I’m just speaking up for those who don’t have a voice.

“For everyone who did get offended somehow, is to ask yourself these questions. Is freedom not for everyone? Are all lives not equal?”

Dr Chalmers said it would be a “good outcome” if the decision against Khawaja, who he insisted was a friend of his, was reversed.

“He is an absolute champion and he’s got a big heart and I think that they should let him wear the shoes,” he said.

“It’s not a controversial statement, it’s not an especially political statement, and I think it would be a good outcome if the relevant authorities let him wear the shoes when he walks out to bat for Australia.”