'Nothing Worthwhile Is Easy..', Usman Khawaja Thanks Supporters Amid Shoe Controversy
Usman Khawaja (Twitter)
Australian Test cricketer Usman Khawaja expressed gratitude to his supporters following a controversy over his decision to wear shoes adorned with pro-Palestine messages during a training session ahead of the Australia-Pakistan Test series.
The slogans on Khawaja's shoes read, "Freedom is a human right" and "All lives are equal." Despite his intention to wear them during the first Test, Cricket Australia, citing International Cricket Council (ICC) guidelines on political statements, issued a statement disapproving of the move.
In response, Khawaja, in a post on Twitter, thanked those who stood by him, stating,
"Thank you to all those who supported and gave me love this week. It wasn't unnoticed. Nothing worthwhile is easy. History shows we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of our past. But together we can fight for a better future."
The 37-year-old athlete acknowledged the challenges of standing for one's beliefs, emphasising the importance of learning from history to build a better future.
Previously, Khawaja vowed to challenge the ICC's decision, asserting that he believed his actions were not a political statement.
Cricket Australia supported its players' right to express personal opinions but reminded them to adhere to ICC rules prohibiting the display of personal messages during matches.
The controversy highlighted Khawaja's commitment to advocating for human rights and freedom, especially for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Despite the setback, the cricketer remained determined to continue the fight for what he believed in, pledging to seek approval for wearing such shoes in future games. The incident underscored the delicate balance between personal expression and adherence to sporting regulations in the world of international cricket.
 "Muskaan Bhatt")
