Australia cricketer Khawaja wears a black armband after a ban on his ''all lives are equal'' shoes

Usman Khawaja wore a black arm band to show solidarity with people suffering in Gaza, after the ICC prohibited him from wearing shoes with a humanitarian message.

Australia batter Usman Khawaja wasn't allowed to wear shoes branded with a “all lives are equal” humanitarian message, so he wore a black arm band instead Thursday, December 14, 2023, on Day 1 of the series-opening cricket test against Pakistan.

The International Cricket Council intervened on Wednesday after Khawaja indicated he planned to wear shoes during the match that featured messages to highlight the loss of innocent lives in the Israel-Hamas war.

The ICC's policies for international cricket prohibit displays of political or religious statements on team uniforms or equipment.

Khawaja said he'd abide by the ruling to avoid individual or team sanctions, but would challenge the ICC's stance.

“Freedom is a human right, and all rights are equal,” Khawaja said in a social media post. “I will never stop believing that.” Australia batted first in the five-day game, and Khawaja and fellow Australian opener David Warner strode to the pitch along with the Pakistan fielders.

Khawaja, who was born in Pakistan and is the first Muslim to play test cricket for Australia, wore the black armband to show solidary with people suffering in Gaza.

In pre-game TV interviews, he said there'd been precedents where other cricketers had been allowed to show support for other causes.