Usman Khawaja shows support to people of Gaza at Aussie training
Usman Khawaja has been vocal on the Israel-Hamas war, and looks set to show his support when Australia takes on Pakistan in Thursday’s first Test.
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Usman Khawaja took a stand in support of Palestinian people in Gaza at Australian training ahead of the first Test in Perth, and is poised to keep doing so during the match itself.
Khawaja sported shoes with the messages “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” in the nets at Optus Stadium on Tuesday, two days out from the start of the Test against Pakistan.
The Pakistan-born Khawaja, a Muslim, has been outspoken on the Israel-Hamas war, posting on Instagram last week with an accompanying news report about the situation.
“Do people not care about innocent humans being killed? Or is it the colour of their skin that makes them less important? Or the religion they practice? These things should be irrelevant if you truly believe that ‘we are all equal’. #gaza #humanity #equality #alllivesmatter,” the veteran opener, who turns 37 next week, wrote.
The wording on Khawaja’s shoes was less specific than the “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” messages written on a wristband adorned by England all-rounder Moeen Ali in 2014.
The ICC reprimanded Moeen.
“The ICC equipment and clothing regulations do not permit the display of messages that relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes during an international match,” it said at the time.
“Moeen Ali was told by the match referee that whilst he is free to express his views on such causes away from the cricket field, he is not permitted to wear the wristbands on the field of play and warned not to wear the bands again during an international match.”
The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has divided Australians, with rallies in support of both Israel and the Palestinians taking place in recent weeks.
Several Pakistan players posted pro-Palestinian messages during the recent World Cup, with Mohammad Rizwan dedicating his match-winning knock against Sri Lanka to the people of Gaza.
Rizwan was not sanctioned by the ICC as his statement did not come on the field of play or during a press conference but rather on social media.
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Originally published as Usman Khawaja shows support to people of Gaza at Aussie training
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