Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja was spotted wearing shoes with “All lives are equal” and “Freedom is a human right” messages on them in a training session in Perth. He confirmed that he intended to wear them in the Australia vs. Pakistan test match, but was denied permission by the ICC. ICC has strict rules in place regarding the players’ uniform on the field. The players are not allowed to wear clothing that supports a message not previously approved by the governing body. Violating the ICC rules could potentially result in a ban and a fine amounting to 75 percent of the match fees.
A distraught Usman then took to twitter to share his sentiments regarding the incident, “Everyone who did get offended should ask themselves this question: Is freedom not for everyone? Are all lives not equal?” he said in the video. He further goes on to say that the message on his shoes is not political. “I’m just speaking up for those who don’t have a voice” he goes on to say.
ICC asked Usman to not wear the shoes on the day of the match. “I will respect their view and decision but I will fight it and seek to get it approved” he says in his statement.
Australia’s captain Pat Cumming said that he talked to Usman and confirms that he will not be wearing the shoes on the day of the match. He does say that he supports Usman and his beliefs stating that all lives are indeed equal. Cricket Australia also released a statement saying that: They support the right of their players’ to express personal opinions. But the ICC has rules in place which prohibit the display of messages which they expect their players to uphold.
The ICC has strict rules regarding what the players can and cannot wear on the field. The ICC acknowledges that the sport can be used as a tool to bring people and communities around the world together but not as a platform to draw attention to potentially divisive political issues, rhetoric or agendas.
Watch the statement below: