‘My heart can’t take it’: Usman Khawaja vows to fight ICC shoe ban.

Usman Khwaja all lives are equal Palestine support slogan

Australia's Usman Khawaja has expressed his determination to challenge an International Cricket Council (ICC) directive preventing him from wearing shoes adorned with "political" slogans during the upcoming Test against Pakistan. Khawaja, the first Muslim cricketer to represent Australia, trained in Perth wearing spikes with messages such as "all lives are equal" and "freedom is a human right," addressing the Palestinian conflict in Gaza. While he accepted the ICC's decision for the first Test, Khawaja plans to contest it and hopes to wear the shoes in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Usman Khwaja On Twitter (X) Said:

Usman Khawaja to fight ICC over pro-Palestine shoe ban

"The ICC has informed me that I can't wear my shoes on the field as they deem it a political statement under their guidelines," Khawaja explained on social media. "I don't believe it's political; it's a humanitarian appeal. I respect their decision but will fight it, as freedom is a human right, and all lives are equal. I'll continue to believe in that, regardless of agreement."

Notably, the ICC has intervened in similar situations before, such as in 2014 when England's Moeen Ali was prohibited from wearing wristbands with "Save Gaza" and "Free Palestine" during a Test against India. Khawaja clarified that the message on his shoes is not political but a stance for human equality, urging those offended to reflect on the universality of freedom and equality.

Khawaja received support from teammates, including vice-captain Travis Head, who expressed solidarity, saying, "We stand with Usman Khawaja! All lives are Equal." Captain Pat Cummins also supported Khawaja, stating that the message on his shoes, "all lives are equal," is not divisive.

Teammates expressed support for Usman Khawaja

Teammates expressed support for Khawaja, with vice-captain Travis Head stating, "We stand with Usman Khawaja! All lives are Equal." Captain Pat Cummins also backed Khawaja, emphasizing that the message on his shoes, "all lives are equal," is not divisive.


Both teams have confirmed their XIs for the Perth fixture, with Nathan Lyon returning from injury for Australia in their first Test since the Ashes. Pakistan, on the other hand, chose to go without a specialist spinner but will debut two fast bowlers, Aamer Jamal and Khurram Shahzad.