Usman Khawaja Will Not Wear His Shoes With Messages Written Regarding Palestine During The First Test, Reveals Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins revealed that Usman Khawaja will not wear the pair of shoes with the human rights message displayed in Palestinian colors. Khawaja wore a pair of shoes with the message during the training session in Perth and local media reported that he could wear them on Day 1 of the first Test, commencing on December 14.
Pat Cummins spoke to the press a day ahead of the first Test and confirmed that he had a word with Usman Khawaja about the pair of shoes, adding that he supports Khawaja’s stance. However, the Australian skipper pointed out that Khawaja’s shoes can draw attention to ICC rules.
The Australian opener, who has been vocal about his stance for Palestine in the ongoing Israel-Gaza issue, wore shoes that had messages “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” displayed on them in Palestine flag colors.
The ICC Code of Conduct forbids players from displaying, wearing, or conveying messages through items on clothing or pieces of equipment without prior approval from the council. Messages related to religious, political, or racial activities and causes are prohibited. However, the ICC allowed players to take a knee in support of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement during the pandemic with some international teams joining in on the gesture.
Pat Cummins Talked With Usman Khawaja About His Shoes
“I spoke to him briefly and he said he won’t be. It drew attention to the ICC rules, which I don’t know if Uzzie was across beforehand. I know the ICC rules are quite specific to writing,” Pat Cummins said during the press conference on Wednesday.
“Uzzie doesn’t want to make too big of a fuss. On his shoes, he had, ‘all lives are equal’. I think that’s not very divisive. I don’t think anyone can really have too many complaints about that,” he added. Notably, the ICC disallowed Moeen Ali from wearing armbands featuring slogans like “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” in 2014.
Cricket Australia said in a statement on Wednesday that it backed the right of players to “express personal opinions” but that it expected them to adhere to ICC rules. “But the ICC has rules in place which prohibit the display of personal messages, which we expect the players to uphold,” Cricket Australia said.
Usman Khawaja was named in Australia‘s playing XI for the first Test of the three-match series against Pakistan. Pat Cummins will lead the side while Travis Head was named as the vice-captain for the series opener. Usman Khawaja will open the innings with David Warner.
