During Australia’s Test series against Pakistan, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Usman Khawaja’s bravery in showing support for the victims of the war.
The veteran leadoff hitter is advocating to express his solidarity with those affected by the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.
Australia PM Anthony praises Usman courage amid ICC saga
Because it is against the rules for international players to wear personal slogans on their uniforms, the International Cricket Council (ICC) barred them from wearing these statements during the Perth Test.
Khawaja began advocating for those affected by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East days before last month’s series opener.
He began by writing the phrases “All life is equal” and “Freedom is a human right” on his shoes.
Because it is against the rules for international players to write personal statements on their uniforms, the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned Khawaja from wearing these words during the Perth Test.
The ICC penalized the veteran opening batsman for wearing a black armband in breach of attire and equipment requirements, even though he eventually removed the tape over the inscriptions.
In the second Test at the MCG on Boxing Day, Khawaja avoided wearing the armband and attempted to display an olive branch and dove on his bat, but this was also disallowed by the ICC.
In lieu of the original notes, Khawaja inscribed his daughters’ names on his shoes during the MCG Test, earning the approval of several current and former Test players.
Mr Albanese mentioned Khawaja when addressing the Australian and Pakistani teams at Kirribilli House on Monday, during his annual New Year reception ahead of the SCG Test.
Usman Khawaja gets support from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“I want to congratulate (Usman Khawaja) for his courage in standing up for humanitarian values,” Albanese said. “He has shown courage and the fact that the team has supported him is great.”
Khawaja’s final batting session with opening partner David Warner, who will be donning his baggy green at the end of the match starting on Wednesday, will take place in the Test match this week.
Albanese commented, “When Ussi and Dave go out, it will be a very special moment when you walk onto the SCG.”
Since Khawaja was called up to the Test squad for the home Ashes series two summers ago, the two childhood friends have established themselves as a formidable partnership at the top of the order.
Warner cried while discussing Khawaja in the pre-game press conference on Monday.
“It’s absolutely amazing to see him come back the way he has over the last two years,” Warner said. “I know his family is very proud of him. As a teammate, I’m really proud of him.”
“When you’re childhood friends and you’ve got big dreams and you get a chance to go out at the SCG, it’s fair.”
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