NEW DELHI: Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has pledged to contest a ban preventing him from wearing shoes during a match that draws attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The 36-year-old opening batsman adorned his footwear with hand-written slogans, including "Freedom is a human right" and "All lives are equal," during training sessions.
Khawaja, a Muslim, clarified that his intent was a humanitarian appeal rather than a political statement. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) prohibits messages related to politics, religion, or race during matches.