Gaza support | Cricket Australia expects Usman Khawaja to abide by rules
The Hindu
CA backs Khawaja's right to express support for Gaza, but expects him to follow ICC rules. Sports Minister Anika Wells supports Khawaja's peaceful expression of individual opinion.
Cricket Australia said on December 13 they backed Usman Khawaja's right to express his support for the people of Gaza but expected him to conform to International Cricket Council (ICC) rules banning displays on his playing equipment.
Batter Khawaja had the messages "Freedom is a human right" and "All lives are equal" written on his boots in the colours of the Palestinian flag in Tuesday's training for the first test against Pakistan.
According to Australian media reports, the Pakistan-born opener intended to wear the boots during the match, which starts at Perth Stadium on Thursday.
"We support the right of our players to express personal opinions, but the ICC has rules in place which prohibit the display of personal messages which we expect the players to uphold," Cricket Australia said in a statement.
Israel's ongoing assault on Gaza in response to the deadly October 7 cross-border attacks by Hamas has killed at least 18,205 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The ICC Code of Conduct forbids players wearing, displaying or conveying messages through arm bands or other items on clothing or equipment without prior approval. Messages related to political, religious or racial activities or causes are not allowed.
England batsman Moeen Ali was banned by the ICC in 2014 from wearing wristbands featuring the slogans "Save Gaza" and "Free Palestine".
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