Why Usman Khawaja IS wearing his pro-Palestine shoes at Pakistan Test despite being banned from making statement – as he blasts cricket bosses as hypocrites

Australian cricket star Usman Khawaja decided to wear shoes with the words “freedom is a human right” and “all lives matter” in the first Test against Pakistan, despite Cricket Australia banning him from doing so.

However, shortly before kick-off on Thursday, it was revealed that he had decided to use tape to cover up the slogans.

Khawaja vowed to fight the ban shortly after it was announced on Wednesday and remained defiant in an interview at Perth’s Optus Stadium shortly before the first ball was due to be bowled.

Khawaja expressed disappointment after International Cricket Council rules banned him from using shoes to make statements about the war in the Gaza Strip during the first Test against Pakistan.

“All lives matter” and “freedom is a human right” are written on the star batter’s sneakers, which he decided to wear despite being banned after covering the slogans with tape.

The opening batter spoke about his thoughts on the ban and why he thinks it is hypocritical given that he believes other cricketers are allowed to make political and religious statements during matches.

“It’s just a little disappointing. I don’t really see a contradiction in ‘all lives matter’ and ‘freedom is a human right,'” he told Fox Sports on Thursday.

“I don’t understand where this gets political… I find it hard to accept that people find what I said distasteful.

“I feel a little embarrassed that people find these words unpleasant.

“I think it’s been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster the last couple of months. I will always stand up for what I believe in, even if people don’t agree with me or don’t like me saying it.

Pictured: Khawaja’s taped-up shoes shortly before kickoff on Thursday.

The star batter (pictured at Optus Stadium before the start of Thursday’s game) has criticized the International Cricket Council for what he believes is a double standard when it comes to political statements.

“I want to look back at my career and say, ‘Look, I stood up for my values, I respect what I did on the field, but I also respect myself for what I did off the field… that means more to me.’ .’

Asked about his emotional reaction when the ban came into force, Khawaja said he was disappointed because he felt there was a double standard in cricket.

“So many things have happened in the past that set a precedent,” he said.

“I fully support Black Lives Matter (which the Australian team supported by kneeling in the 2022 Test against the West Indies).

“There are a lot of guys who used to pee on their shoes. The other guys, they have religious things on their equipment.

“According to the ICC (International Cricket Council) guidelines, it is technically not allowed, but the ICC never says anything about it.

“So I’m a little disappointed that they came down hard on me and they don’t always come down hard on everyone else.

“All I can do is fight this (ban) properly and as best I can.”