“One Jewish life is equal to one Muslim life is equal to one Hindu life”- Usman Khawaja gives a strong statement as ICC doesn’t approve him to wear Pro- Palestine in the 1st against Pakistan.
Usman Khawaja, deeply moved by the ICC’s decision to prohibit him from wearing shoes adorned with phrases of freedom and equality during the upcoming Test against Pakistan in Perth, has vowed to contest the ban. Despite acknowledging the ICC’s perspective, Khawaja expressed his determination to seek approval for what he deems a ‘humanitarian’ cause.
In an emotional video shared on Instagram, Khawaja refuted the ICC’s characterization of the slogans, “Freedom is a human rightโ and โAll lives are equal,” as ‘political.’ He initiated the video by urging those who took offense at the slogans to reflect on whether freedom could be deemed anything other than a human right, and whether equality should not be a universal principle.
Khawaja, without aligning with any particular stance, empathized with the thousands of children affected by the Israel-Palestine conflict. As a left-handed batter who grew up as a Muslim, he shared his personal sentiment that although he felt his life was not perceived as equal, the inequality did not equate to death.
Khawaja said “What I have written on my shoes isn’t political,” Khawaja said. “I am not taking sides. Human life, to me, is equal. One Jewish life is equal to one Muslim life is equal to one Hindu life and so on. I am just speaking up for those who don’t have a voice, “This is close to my heart. When I say thousands of innocent children dying without any repercussions or remorse, I imagine my two girls. What if this was them? No one chooses where they are born. And now I see the world turn their backs on them. My heart can’t take it. I already felt my life wasn’t equal to others when I was growing up. Luckily for me, I never lived in a world where that lack of equality was life or death.”ย
“The ICC have told me that I can’t wear my shoes because they believe it’s a political statement under their guidelines. I don’t believe it is so. It’s a humanitarian appeal. I will respect their view and decision but I’ll fight it and seek to get an approval. Freedom is a human right. And all lives are equal. I’ll never stop believing that, whether you agree with me or not,” opener added.
Khawaja had donned the controversial shoes during a training session on Tuesday, sparking widespread attention with a viral photo. While some former Australian cricketers criticized him for bringing personal beliefs onto the cricket field, Australian captain Pat Cummins extended unwavering support to Khawaja in this matter.