Australian opener Usman Khawaja wore a black armband during the first Test against Pakistan in Perth on Thursday. This decision followed his unsuccessful attempt to wear shoes with human rights messages, a move opposed by Cricket Australia and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Khawaja had planned to wear shoes bearing the slogans “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal.” The ICC has regulations prohibiting players from displaying unauthorized messages, and violations could lead to sanctions, including a field ban, reprimand, or a 75% match-fee fine.
Speaking to Channel 7, Khawaja expressed his intention to challenge the ICC’s decision, referencing past instances where similar actions were not penalized. He emphasized his commitment to the cause and suggested that he might face continued fines despite wanting to focus on the game.
“I am a grown man; I can do anything I want, but I think the ICC will keep coming down and giving me fines, and at some point, it will detract from the game,” Khawaja said.
While defending his choice of messages, Khawaja stated that he did not perceive them as political or controversial. He expressed disappointment at the controversy surrounding his stance and asserted his right to stand up for his beliefs, even if they are not universally accepted.
“I stand by what I said; I will stand by that, I think forever. For me, I need to get out there and concentrate on what I am doing, but it is right at the forefront of my mind,” he concluded.
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