By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp
Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja's message of support for Palestine in a test match against India was barred Wednesday by the International Cricket Council.
The Muslim batter's plan to wear shoes that bore the words: "All lives are equal" and "Freedom is a human right" was not allowed because it was considered a "political" message.
"I will respect (the International Cricket Council's) view and decision, but I will fight it and seek to gain approval," Khawaja, 36, said in a video on Instagram.
Cricket Australia decided to abide by ICC rules, despite stating Wednesday its support for players' "right to express personal opinions.”
"Usman Khawaja is a great athlete and a great Australian. He should have every right to speak up on matters that are important to him. He has done so in a peaceful and respectful way," said Australian Sport Minister Anika Wells.
Israel has bombarded the Gaza Strip from the air and land, imposed a siege and mounted a ground offensive in retaliation for a cross-border attack by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, on Oct. 7.
At least 18,608 Palestinians have since been killed and 50,594 injured in the Israeli onslaught, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
The official Israeli death toll in the Hamas attack stands at 1,200, while around 139 hostages remain in captivity, according to official figures.