Australia's Usman Khawaja to challenge ICC decision regarding humanitarian slogans

By SABC Sport
14th December 2023

Australia batter Usman Khawaja says he will challenge the International Cricket Council after backing down on his plan to wear boots bearing humanitarian slogans during the first Test against Pakistan.

In the days leading up to the match Khawaja, who has used his social media accounts to post about the conflict in Gaza, was pictured wearing batting spikes inscribed with the words "all lives are equal" and "freedom is a human right".

The 36-year-old was intending to wear them on the field but was informed that they would contravene the ICC's ban on political statements, which covers ˜non-compliant' wording or logos on playing equipment.

Instead, he chose to wear a black armband on day one, but suggested in a pre-play interview with Channel 7 that he did not consider the matter closed.

"I'm a grown man, I can do anything I want, but I think the ICC will keep coming down giving me fines and at some point it will detract from the game," he said.

"I stand by what I said, I'll stand by it forever. For me I also need to go out there and concentrate on what I'm doing, but it's right at the forefront of my mind.

"I'll try and do it (contest their decision) as soon as possible. Players have done stuff and ICC hasn't done anything. I find it a bit unfair that they've come down on me at this point in time when there has definitely been precedent for similar things."

Back in 2014, England all-rounder Moeen Ali wore wristbands with 'Save Gaza' and 'Free Palestine' on them during a Test match and was compelled to remove them.