Australian Cricketer Usman Khawaja will fight the ban on his bid to share a “humanitarian message” of peace for the World.
Khawaja took to his social media accounts on Wednesday evening to respond to the ban, declaring he will fight the ruling and emotionally explaining why it was not a political statement.
Khawaja had “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” written on his batting spikes at training on Tuesday.
Australia captain Pat Cummins has confirmed that opener Usman Khawaja will not wear any written messages on his shoes in the first Test against Pakistan starting on Thursday in Perth due to ICC regulations.
“Freedom is a human right. And all lives are equal. I will never stop believing that, whether you agree with me or not.” Khawaja said.
I’ve noticed what I’ve written on my shoes has caused a little bit of a stir. I won’t say much, I don’t need to,” he said.
“But what I do want is for everyone who did get offended, somehow, is to ask yourself these questions.
“Is freedom not for everyone? Are all lives not equal?
“To me personally, it doesn’t matter what race, religion or culture you are.
“Let’s be honest about it. If me saying all lives are equal as a resulted people being offended, to the point where they’re calling me up, and telling me, well isn’t that the bigger problem?
“These people obviously don’t believe in what I’ve written. It’s not just a handful of people. You’d be shocked about how many feel this way.
“What I’ve written on my shoes isn’t political. I’m not taking sides. Human life to me is equal. One Jewish life is equal to one Muslim life is equal to one Hindu life and so on. I’m just speaking up for those who don’t have a voice.”
“The ICC have told me I can’t wear my shoes because they believe its a political statement. I respect their decision, but I will fight it and seek to gain approval” he added.
The ICC regulations are very clear on what players can and cannot wear with the rules clearly outlined in a 68-page document. Players are not permitted to display messages on their clothing or equipment unless approved in advance by their board or the ICC. The document clearly states that messages for political causes “shall not be granted
