Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja made a protest against the war in Gaza during the first Test against Pakistan.
As a Muslim, Khawaja wore a black armband and had hand-written slogans on his shoes. However, this action violated the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rules, which prohibit messages related to politics, religion, or race.
In response, Cricket Australia expected its players to adhere to these rules. To comply, Khawaja covered the slogans with semi-transparent tape, making them visible only when viewed closely.
Despite the ban on his footwear messages, Khawaja expressed his commitment to fighting against it, emphasizing the humanitarian appeal he intended to make.
In a video Khawaja recently shared on social media, he asked: “Do people not care about innocent humans being killed?”
This incident sparked discussions about the balance between personal expressions and the regulations governing cricket matches.
Australian captain Pat Cummins expressed pride in Khawaja and other squad members who spoke up for their beliefs.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, marked by a significant number of casualties, has led individuals like Khawaja to use their platform to raise awareness and express solidarity with affected communities. This incident highlights the broader debate around the role of sports in addressing social and political issues.