WATCH: “I will fight it,” Usman Khawaja says after ICC bans him from writing pro-Palestine message on shoes for political statement

Usman Khawaja had the message, "all lives are equal," written across his shoes. He said he accepted the ban and won’t wear it, but doesn’t agree with it.

WATCH: “I will fight it,” Usman Khawaja says after ICC bans him from writing pro-Palestine message on shoes for political statement

Usman Khawaja with his banned shoes (Image via ESPN)

Since October, Israel has been at war with Hamas. This is the 5th war in the Israel-Palestine conflict and there has been a huge loss of life due to it. To protest against the ill-treatment of Palestinians in Gaza, the Australian opener. Usman Khawaja, planned to wear batting spikes with a message. 

The shoes were first worn during training with the words, “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” written across it. He planned to wear it during the first Test against Pakistan which will be played on 14th December in Perth’s Optus Stadium. 

YouTube video

As the shoes did not comply with ICC’s regulations, where any player isn’t allowed to wear any political statements, they were banned. Pat Cummins also confirmed that his teammate was not going to wear the shoes. 

Khawaja released a video on X, where he spoke about the ban. He said he accepted the ban and won’t wear it, but doesn’t agree with it. He said the message was a humanitarian appeal and he will fight the ICC decision. 

ICC have told me I can't wear my shoes on field as they believe it's a political statement. I don't believe it's so, it's a humanitarian appeal. I will respect their view & decision, but I will fight it and seek to gain approval. Freedom is a human right
Usman Khawaja on X

This isn’t the first time the ICC has banned political messaging on clothing items. Former Indian captain, MS Dhoni, was not allowed to wear gloves that had the insignia of an Army Parachute regiment’s special forces called Balidan.

Australia and Pakistan announce playing XI for first Test, Pakistan to play 2 debutants 

On the eve of the first Test, Pat Cummins and Shan Masood named their playing XIs for the match. Both teams have gone with the bowling configurations of four pacers and 1 spinner. While the Australian side has all capped players, Masood and the team management have decided to award 2 players their debuts. 

Pat Cummins and Shan Masood
Pat Cummins and Shan Masood pose with the trophy (Image via ESPN)

Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad, both pacers, are making their debut, while Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi operate as the other two pacers. Salman Ali Agha will play as the lone spinner as well, while Masood will captain the Pakistan team for the first time.  

Pakistan playing XI: Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Shaheen Afridi 

Cummins’s playing XI from the 5th Ashes Test has only one change, with the return of Nathan Lyon. Todd Murphy, his back-up, is not a part of the squad. Mitchell Marsh has been picked ahead of Cameron Green and Lance Morris will need to wait for his debut. 

Australia playing XI: Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood 

The Test match will start at 1:20 pm ACT (GMT+11) and will be played at the Optus Stadium, Perth. The Optus Stadium has also hosted 3 Tests, with Australia winning all 3. 

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