'I am standing up for those who don't have a voice' Usman Khawaja takes a bold stance on 'Shoe Controversy'

Usman Khawaja will be playing his 67th test match for Australia on Friday.

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has once again amplified the message of solidarity with Palestine and also standing up for the human rights cause. Usman Khawaja slammed those who questioned his intent to bring international conflict into the game of cricket. His shoes with support for Palestine and Gaza became the biggest talking point. Usman Khawaja has now released a video on his social media amplifying his message. 

The 36-years-old Usman Khawaja posted a video on Twitter with the caption, “All Lives are Equal. Freedom is a Human right. I’m raising my voice for human rights. For a humanitarian appeal. If you see it any other way. That’s on you.” Usman Khawaja’s message is seen as a direct challenge to cricket authorities who have tried to maintain a distance from any political cause so far. ICC considered Usman Khawaja’s stance of wearing shoes as ‘political’. 

Usman Khawaja stands up for himself

Usman Khawaja in an emotional appeal to everyone has said, “I won’t say much, I don’t need to. But I do want to say to those who did get offended to somehow ask yourself questions. Is freedom not for everyone? Are all lives not equal?.” Khawaja further added, “Let’s be honest about it, If me saying all lives are equal has resulted in people being offended to the point they are calling me and telling me off isn’t that the bigger problem?” 

Talking about the message on his shoes, Khawaja clarified, “To whoever thinks my shoes are ‘political’, 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.” Earlier Usman Khawaja accepted ICC’s rule of not wearing shoes with support for Palestine message in it. Australian captain, Pat Cummins also clarified that Khawaja will not be wearing those shoes. 

Watch the video here:

Usman Khawaja was spotted wearing shoes with the message during a practice session at Optus Stadium in Perth. This became the biggest talking point before the beginning of Australia’s home summer on 14th December. ICC has so far maintained a distance from taking any political stance. ICC had earlier asked Moeen Ali to not wear the ‘Save Gaza’ wristband just a few years back. Mohammad Rizwan also made a similar stand during the World Cup 2023. 

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