Usman Khawaja wrote ‘Freedom is Human Rights’ and ‘All Lives are Equal’ on his shoes in practice before the Perth Test in solidarity with the Palestinian people, but could not do so in the match.
Later he came down to bat wearing a black ‘armband’. He had to listen to the criticism of the ICC. This time all the plaintiffs wanted to put peace dove stickers on their shoes in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. He is not allowed to do that either.
Khawaja’s shoes sported a dove symbol of peace and ’01: UDHF’ stickers during training in Melbourne today. ’01: UDHF’ is basically a reference to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It talks about the freedom of all people.
Khawaja is deeply affected by the ongoing bloodshed in Palestine. Without naming anyone, Augie Opener wanted to demand everyone’s rights and peace. But because it is a political issue, ICC has been objecting to it.
The emotional cricketer wanted to convey his message in some way for the affected people. For this reason, it is reported that he has held several meetings with Cricket Australia. He chose the image of peace dove as part of it. However, The Australian reported that the ICC did not even allow it.
After being scolded for wearing a black ‘armband’, Khawaja said, ‘We live in a wonderful country. We are blessed to live here. I can walk freely, so can my children. I want to see the rest of the world like this.’
The second Test of the Australia-Pakistan series starts in Melbourne on December 26 on Boxing Day.
