Usman Khawaja is thankful for the support he has received following ICC banning his ‘All lives are equal’ shoe message during the first Australia-Pakistan Test in Perth.
Khawaja spoke before the Perspective Test during a practice session to support victims of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, saying “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right.” He caused a stir by wearing shoes with messages written on them.
The ICC informed him that wearing shoes emblazoned with these messages will result in sanctions under the ICC Dress and Equipment Rules and Regulations. Khawaja then posted an emotional message on social media, challenging the ban and saying he would continue to speak out for the cause
During the test, Khawaja did not wear shoes with these messages written on them, but she did wear shoes with her daughters’ names and black armbands on them. Khawaja was assisted in this purpose by Pat Cumminsand many others.
On Monday (December 18), Khawaja posted a message of gratitude on social media, expressing his gratitude to everyone who supported him.
“Thank you to everyone who supported me and gave me love this week. It didn’t go unnoticed. Nothing of value comes easy. History shows us we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past But together we can fight for a better future. #freedomisahumanright #alllivesareequal”
Thank you to all those who supported and gave me love this week. It wasn’t unnoticed 💕. Nothing worthwhile is easy. History shows we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of our past. But together we can fight for a better future. 🙏🏾 #freedomisahumanright #alllivesareequal pic.twitter.com/HAhbebDbCT
– Usman Khawaja (@Uz_Khawaja) 18. December 2023
Australia won the first comprehensive Test in Perth, defeating Pakistan by 360 runs. David Warner scored a century in the first innings after heavy criticism from Mitchell Johnson, while Khawaja scored his 90 runs in his second innings, making him Australia’s top scorer .
Nathan Ryan became the third Australian to reach 500 Test wickets after Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. His second Test of the series will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from 26 December.
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