Australian opening batsman, Usman Khawaja, has vowed to fight the International Cricket Council (ICC) ban that barred him from making an on-field statement in support of Palestinians.
Khawaja had planned to wear shoes bearing the words “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” during a Test match with Pakistan in Perth, Australia.
He instead wore a black armband written “do people not care about innocent human beings killed?” and put tape over messages on his shoes supporting people of Gaza.
The ICC said the stance by the cricketer flouted rules on messages during matches that relate to politics, religion, or race.
“Players are not permitted to display messages on their clothing or equipment unless approved in advance by their bord or the ICC,” read a statement from the ICC.
But in a video post, the visibly emotional batsman said there was nothing wrong with his original stance of voicing the atrocities committed in Palestine.
“I won’t say much I don’t need to, is freedom not for everyone, are all lives not equal.
“To me personally it doesn’t matter what race, religion, or culture you’re.
“Let’s be honest about it, if me saying all lives are equal has resulted in people being offended to the point where they call me up and tell me off, well isn’t that the bigger problem,” said Khawaja.
He highlighted that there are many players who shared his sentiments but are however afraid to express them.
Khawaja again dismissed sentiments that his stance was political.
“What I wear in 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, its equal to one Hindu life, and so on. I’m just speaking for those, who don’t have a voice. This is close to my heart,” explained the batsman.
He said the images of thousands of Palestinian children killed by Israeli forces, reminded him of his two daughters, and what he would have done if he was in a similar situation.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, more than 6 000 children have been killed and scores more missing since the conflict started between Hamas and Israel in October.
“When I see thousands of innocent children die, without any repercussions or remorse, I imagine my two girls, what if this was them. No one choses where they’re born. And then I see the world turn they’re backs on them, my heart can’t take it,” said Khawaja.
The Pakistan-born Khawaja, who is Muslim, said he can relate to what is happening in Palestine, but luckily for him, “he never lived in a world where a lack of equality was either life or death.”
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia released a statement just before the Test match, urging the batsman to respect the cricket guidelines.
“We support the right of our players to express personal opinions. But the ICC has rules in place which prohibit the display of personal messages which we expect the players to uphold,” read the statement.
For his part, Khawaja said he would ensure that he’s allowed to express himself on the field,
“I don’t believe it so, it’s a humanitarian appeal. I would respect their view and decision, but I will fight it and seek to gain approval. Freedom is a human right,” stressed Khawaja.
