CA CEO Nick Hockley Justifies Banning Usman Khawaja From Wearing Shoes With Humanitarian Messages

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley justified the board’s decision to ban Usman Khawaja from wearing humanitarian messages on his shoes during the Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test. Usman Khawaja was asked to replace his shoes with messages like “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” scripted on them.

Usman Khawaja, a proud Muslim supporter, wore the messages to support innocent lives amid the ongoing war in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine. He wore the shoes during the practice sessions ahead of the AUS vs PAK 1st Test at Perth.

However, Cricket Australia banned him from wearing the shoes during the match. Usman Khawaja was not satisfied with the decision, reiterating the fact that they were general humanitarian slogans and not directed towards anyone.

CA Boss Nick Hockley Justices Cricket Australia’s Action On Usman Khawaja

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley shared his opinions on the event with the SEN radio channel. Nick Hockley justified banning Usman Khawaja from wearing shoes in the match. Hockley said that players need to respect ICC’s regulations which are in place for good reasons.

“The main thing is there are processes available, but it needs to be done in the right way and with due lead time. It’s about precedence and about having some level of control. People are representing their country in cricket matches.

If it just opened up then, it’d be very, very difficult. If you did get into a situation where people were putting forward things that are inappropriate, then you don’t have control.” Nick Hockley said.

“Absolutely we want to support all our players who feel strongly about certain things to express themselves. But when you’re playing cricket for your country, when you’re out there representing your country, I think those (ICC) guidelines and regulations are in place for good reason,” Hockley further added.

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The CA boss also added that he will have a chat with Usman Khawaja over the matter after the completion of the 1st Test. He also agreed that wearing those messages on shoes might attract ICC sanctions on the Australia opener.

“That’s something for the ICC and the match referees. That’s something for the ICC and the match referees. That’s best done outside of a Test match,” he concluded.

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Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja scored 41 runs in Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test in Perth. He set up an opening stand of 126 with David Warner, who slammed a 164-run knock to drive Australia to 487-10 in 1st innings.

Pakistan pacer Aamer Jamal hunted 6 wickets in the match. Pakistan lost 2 wickets for 132 runs on the board at the stumps of Day 2. The visitors, led by Shan Masood, trail by 355 runs.