Usman Khawaja Wears A Black Armband To Show Support For “Pro-Palestine” During Australia vs. Pakistan, First Test

Usman Khawaja, the opening Australian Test player, wore a black armband during the first Test match between Australia and Pakistan at Optus Stadium in Perth to demonstrate his support and solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Following the images of Khawaja donning pro-Palestine sneakers during the training session before the first Test series against the visiting Pakistani squad went viral, the uproar erupted.

Usman Khawaja’s request to wear pro-Palestine sneakers with the phrases “All Lives Are Equal” and “Freedom Is A Human Right” on them was denied by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The Australian opening batsman promised before of the first Test match against Pakistan to defy ICC regulations requiring him to wear shoes.

Usman Khawaja seems to have disregarded the ICC regulations in favor of doing away with the need to wear shoes. The 34-year-old made the decision to demonstrate his defiance by donning the black armband. However, the International Cricket Council may not be amused by his shenanigans.

What Does the ICC Rule State?

The ICC Code of Conduct states that, without the ICC’s prior agreement, players and team officials are absolutely forbidden from donning, exhibiting, or otherwise communicating via armbands or other things attached to apparel or equipment.

To avoid making a huge deal out of it, Australia captain Pat Cummins told the media that Usman Khawaja would not be wearing pro-Palestine sneakers for the first Test against Australia.

However, Usman Khawaja has already broken the ICC Code of Conduct by supporting the Palestinian people who were the target of an Israeli strike by donning a black armband.

Warner and Khawaja give Australia a strong start.

Australia’s opening duo of David Warner and Usman Khawaja gave their first innings a strong start on Day 1 of the first Test match against Pakistan after Australia chose to bat first.

Khawaja is playing a superb anchor position at the finish, hitting 37 off 84 balls, while Warner has spearheaded Australia’s first innings batting with an unbeaten 72 off 67 balls.

David Warner put Shaheen Afridi to task for the visitors, as he gave up 45 runs in nine overs without taking a wicket. Australia finished the first session with a score of 117/0.