Usman Khawaja posted an emotional video on social media claiming he will fight the ICC’s ban on him wearing boots with “All lives are equal” and “Freedom is a human right” messages printed on them.
Khawaja wore a sign saying “All lives are equal” and “Freedom is a human right” as he trained ahead of the first Australia-Pakistan Test in Perth on Tuesday (December 12). They were wearing traditional shoes, as if they were standing in solidarity with the victims of war. Ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
He reportedly planned to wear them during the first test, which began on December 14, but Pat Cummins said at a press conference that he was not allowed to send the message. He admitted that he would not do so because it would violate ICC regulations, rather than for political reasons. During the game.
However, Khawaja has since released a video in which he candidly talks about the messages he wrote on his shoes and how he intends to defy the ICC’s decision and seek permission to wear these shoes during matches. .
Usman Khawaja’s shoes with “All lives are equal” written across it
“I don’t say much, and I don’t need to say it, but what I want is for anyone who has been offended in any way to ask themselves questions like: I want it. Isn’t freedom given to everyone? Aren’t all lives equal?
“For me personally, it doesn’t matter what race, religion, or culture you belong to.” But let’s be honest. When I say “all lives are equal,” people get so offended that they call me and insult me. Isn’t that a bigger problem?
“These people obviously don’t believe what I’ve written, and it’s not just a handful of people. You’d be surprised how many people think this way. .”
He went on to say that the message he wanted to spread was not political, but humanitarian. “What I wrote on my shoes is not political. I don’t take sides,” he said. “Human life is the same to me. Jewish life is equivalent to Muslim life, and Hindu life is equivalent. I just speak up for the voiceless. This is something very close to my heart.
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“When I see thousands of innocent children dying without consequences or remorse, I think of my two daughters. What if? No one They don’t choose where they are born, and my heart can’t bear it when I see the world turning its back on them.
“Ever since I was a child, I felt that my life could not keep up with the lives of others. Fortunately, I have never lived in a world where a lack of inequality meant the difference between life and death. There isn’t.”
Khawaja said he was told by the ICC that he would not be allowed to wear shoes with these two messages on them, a decision he said he plans to appeal.
“The ICC said you can’t wear shoes on the field because they think it’s a political statement based on their guidelines.” I don’t think that’s the case. It’s a humanitarian appeal. I respect their opinions and decisions, but I try to disagree and get approval. Freedom is a human right. ”
According to
ICC Clothing and Equipment Rules and Regulations, personal messages must be approved by the ICC before they can be worn by players during matches. However, political messages are not permitted. “Messages related to political, religious, or racial activities or causes will not be allowed.”
Elaborating on what constitutes a “political, racial, or religious” message, the guidelines state: “The ICC and its members believe that cricket educates people…and the world” and not as a platform to draw attention to potentially divisive political issues, rhetoric, or agendas. .
“Each case must be considered on its own facts, and the ICC will (in its sole discretion) consider all relevant circumstances, including:
- (a) the views of any other relevant team or individual;
- (b) the likely sentiment and response in the media to the message in all relevant countries;
- (c) whether the message is a ‘one-off’ or whether it is to be displayed for a longer period;
- (d) the purpose and impact of conveying the message.”
It also states that messages may be banned if they “appear to indicate support for a particular government, political party, or individual.”
Previously, Cricket Australia has expressed support for players to express their views, taking into account ICC rules and regulations. “We support players’ right to express personal opinions. However, the ICC has rules prohibiting the display of personal messages and we expect players to abide by them.”< /p>
Cummins also spoke in support of Khawaja at the pre-match press conference, adding that his announcement was not intended to make a fuss about the issue. Our team has his own passionate views and personal thoughts, and today I briefly discussed this with Uzi (Khawaja). I don’t think he wants to make too much of a fuss, but we support him. I think what was written on the shoe was “All lives are equal.” I support it. ”
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