Last Updated on 10 months by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Why Usman Khawaja is wearing a black armband in the 1st Test against Pakistan | Usman Khawaja wears black armband vs Pakistan

Australia opening batsman Usman Khawaja is wearing a black armband in the first Test against Pakistan in Perth in solidarity with people suffering due to the war in the Middle East. Khawaja took to social media on the eve of the match to share his thoughts in the situation in Palestine in particular, with the message that “all lives are equal.”

“All Lives are Equal. Freedom is a Human right. I’m raising my voice for human rights. For a humanitarian appeal. If you see it any other way. That’s on you,” Khawaja wrote on social media.

Captain Pat Cummins was in full support of Khawaja taking a stance. “I think everyone in our team has their own individual thoughts and I love that. I think it’s one of our strongest points.”

Usman Khawaja wears black armband in solidarity with his social media post – Cricket Australia

Khawaja took to social media after some fans were against the messaging of “all lives are equal” seen written on his shoes in the leadup to the Test.

“I won’t say much, I don’t need to,” Khawaja said. “But what I do want is for everyone who did get offended, somehow, is to ask yourself these questions. Is freedom not for everyone? Are all lives not equal?

“To me personally, it doesn’t matter what race, religion or culture you are. Let’s be honest, if me saying ‘all lives are equal’ has resulted in people being offended to the point where they are calling me up and telling me off, isn’t that the bigger problem?

“What I’ve written on my shoes isn’t political. I’m not taking sides. Human life to me is equal. One Jewish life is equal to one Muslim life. Is equal to one Hindu life, and so on.

I’m just speaking up for those who don’t have a voice.”

Khawaja then expressed disappointment at the ICC’s stance that he can’t wear the shoes, hence why he has worn the black armband instead.

“The ICC have told me that I can’t wear my shoes because they believe it’s a political statement under their guidelines. I don’t believe this. 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.”

Khawaja starts the Australian Test summer off the back of two brilliant years back in the team. Since being recalled into the side in the 2021/22 Ashes, Khawaja has scored 2,117 runs at an average of 60.5. Against Pakistan, Khawaja averages a mammoth 100.40 with over 1,000 runs to his name.