Sydney : Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has voiced his “frustration” with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rule preventing him from displaying a “humanitarian message” in support of peace for Palestine. Khawaja, who sported shoes with the slogans “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” during the Australian team’s training session on Tuesday, had plans to wear them during the first Test against Pakistan.
Expressing his discontent on Fox Cricket ahead of the day’s play, Khawaja pointed out the apparent double standards, noting that other players who endorsed messages supporting various political movements faced no sanctions. The cricketer emphasized the need for consistency, citing past instances that have set a precedent.
The controversy adds a layer of discussion on the role of athletes in advocating social and political causes, raising questions about the ICC’s stance on allowing or restricting expressions of support on the cricketing field. As Khawaja challenges the status quo, the cricketing world watches closely to see how the governing body responds to this latest development.
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