Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley justified the board’s decision to ban Usman Khawaja from wearing humanitarian messages on his shoes during the first Test between Australia and Pakistan. Usman Khawaja was asked to replace his shoes with messages like “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” written on them.
Usman Khawaja, a proud Muslim supporter, used the messages to support innocent lives amid the ongoing war in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine. He wore the shoes during practice sessions before the first AUS vs PAK Test in Perth.
However, Cricket Australia banned him from wearing the shoes during the match. Usman Khawaja was not satisfied with the decision and reiterated that these were general humanitarian slogans and not directed at anyone.
CA boss Nick Hockley judges Cricket Australia’s action on Usman Khawaja
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley shared his thoughts on the event with radio channel SEN. Nick Hockley justified banning Usman Khawaja from wearing shoes in the match. Hockley said players must respect ICC regulations, which exist for good reasons.
“The main thing is that there are processes available, but they have to be done in the right way and with due time in advance. It’s about precedence and having some level of control. People represent their country in cricket matches.
If it opened then, it would be very, very difficult. “If you get into a situation where people are proposing inappropriate things, then you have no control.” said Nick Hockley.
“We absolutely want to support all of our players who have strong feelings about certain things to express themselves. But when you play cricket for your country, when you are representing your country, I think those (ICC) guidelines and regulations are in place for a good reason,” Hockley added.
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The CA chief also added that he will talk to Usman Khawaja about the matter after completing the first test. He also agreed that wearing such messages on shoes could lead to ICC sanctions in Australia’s first match.
“That is something that corresponds to the ICC and the match officials. That is something that corresponds to the ICC and the match officials. It is better to do it outside of a test match,” he concluded.
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Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja scored 41 runs in the first Test between Australia and Pakistan in Perth. He set an opening stand of 126 with David Warner, who scored 164 runs to take Australia to 487-10 in the first innings.
Pakistan pacer Aamer Jamal took 6 wickets in the match. Pakistan lost 2 wickets for 132 runs on the board at stumps on Day 2. The visitors, led by Shan Masood, trail by 355 runs.