Usman Khawaja: Watch: ‘Is freedom not for everybody?’ – Usman Khawaja to problem ban on Gaza message sneakers

NEW DELHI: Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has pledged to contest a ban stopping him from carrying sneakers throughout a match that pulls consideration to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. The 36-year-old opening batsman adorned his footwear with hand-written slogans, together with “Freedom is a human proper” and “All lives are equal,” throughout coaching classes.
Khawaja, a Muslim, clarified that his intent was a humanitarian attraction fairly than a political assertion.Nonetheless, the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) prohibits messages associated to politics, faith, or race throughout matches.

In an emotionally charged video message, Khawaja questioned the universality of issues comparable to freedom and equal lives, emphasizing that he was talking up for individuals who lacked a voice. Regardless of the ICC deeming the message a political assertion, Khawaja expressed his respect for his or her determination whereas expressing his dedication to hunt approval.

“Is freedom not for everybody? Are all lives not equal?” Khawaja stated in an emotional video message on social media.

“To me personally it does not matter what race, faith or tradition you’re. I am simply talking up for individuals who haven’t got a voice. The ICC have advised me that I can not put on my sneakers on the sector as a result of they imagine it is a political assertion below their tips. I do not imagine it’s so — it is a humanitarian attraction,” he added.
“I’ll respect their view and determination however I’ll combat it and search to realize approval.”
Cricket Australia voiced its assist for gamers expressing opinions however acknowledged the ICC guidelines in opposition to private messages throughout matches. Khawaja’s stance has ignited discussions on the function of athletes in utilizing their platform to deal with social points.

Reflecting on the general public response to his humanitarian attraction, Khawaja acknowledged, “However let’s be trustworthy about it, if me saying all lives are equal has resulted in folks being offended to the purpose the place they’re calling me up and telling me off, effectively is not that the larger downside?”
In 2014, the ICC banned England all-rounder Moeen Ali from carrying wristbands with messages associated to Gaza throughout a house Take a look at. Australian Sports activities Minister Anika Wells expressed her perception that Khawaja’s sneakers had been a peaceable and respectful expression.

(With inputs from AFP)