Usman Khawaja To Show Solidarity With Israel-Hamas War Victims In AUS vs PAK 1st Test

Usman Khawaja (BCCI)

Australian batsman Usman Khawaja is all set to make a political statement during his side’s forthcoming Test series opener against Pakistan at the Perth Stadium. As per reports, the seasoned campaigner will be wearing pro-Palestine shoes on Day 1 of the Test match to show solidarity with the victims of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East.

Usman Khawaja has vocally expressed his condolences for the victims of the ongoing religious and territorial war between the Israeli government and Hamas militants in the Middle East.

As per recent reports within the Australian media, the 37-year-old cricketer intends to wear shoes with the words “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” inscribed on them to show solidarity with the victims of the conflict.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, while Khawaja is aiming to wear them on Day 1 of the Perth Test, he is yet to be sanctioned by Cricket Australia for the same.

The Pakistan-born player made his international debut in 2011, thus becoming the first Muslim cricketer to play for Australia.

Khawaja has been vocally expressive for causalities from both sides of the Israel-Hamas conflict and urged the two to work towards a ceasefire. On October 18, the Queensland player took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote:

“Innocents on both sides suffering unfortunately. Particularly those being starved of food and water. There has to be compassion. #humanity.”

Regardless, Usman Khawaja is slated to represent Australia in their three-match home Test series against Pakistan between December 14 and January 7 next month.

The three matches constitute a part of the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

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