‘Are all lives not equal?’: Khawaja vows to fight ICC on shoe slogan ban – video | Sport

The Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has insisted he will ‘fight’ the ICC in order to continue displaying the messages ‘All lives are equal’ and ‘Freedom is a human right’ on his shoes. Khawaja wore the messages in support of the people in Gaza. ICC rules prevent players and officials from displaying anything on their clothing or equipment without approval from the governing body with ‘potentially divisive’ or political messages prohibited.

Speaking on social media, Khawaja gave a heartfelt explanation of why he wears the phrases before criticising the ban. The batsman said the ICC ‘believe it’s a political statement under their guidelines. I don’t believe this so. It’s a humanitarian appeal. I will respect their view and decision, but I will fight it and seek to gain approval. Freedom is a human right and all lives are equal. I will never stop believing that, whether you agree with me or not’.