Cricket Australia has responded to the controversy that arose after Test cricketer Usman Khawaja was seen wearing shoes with slogans “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” inscribed on them.
The 36-year-old opening batsman wore the shoes a day earlier during his team's main training session ahead of its Test series with Pakistan and said he intended to wear them during the match as well, which is slated to begin at Perth Stadium on December 14 (Thursday).
In its statement responding to the Pakistan-born Australian batter's gesture, which is linked to his support for Palestinians in Gaza, the Australia cricket board said: "We support the right of our players to express personal opinions."
However, the board also expected him to adhere to the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules.
"But the ICC has rules in place which prohibit the display of personal messages which we expect the players to uphold."
Meanwhile, Australia captain Pat Cummins also assured during a presser that Khawaja will not wear the shoes featuring the inscription in the first Test against Pakistan.
"I spoke to him just quickly and he said he won't be. Just kind of drew attention to the ICC rules, which I don´t know if Uzzie (Khawaja) was across beforehand," he said.
"Uzzie doesn´t want to make too big of a fuss, Cummins added.
Cummins, however, supported Khawaja's right to voice his views through his act and also encouraged fellow teammates to have "passionate views" on various issues.
ICC bans any messages during matches that relate to politics, religion or race.
Four days ago, Khawaja shared a video on Instagram from the children's charity UNICEF from Gaza.
In the post, Khawaja, who is Muslim, commented: "Do people not care about innocent humans being killed?
"Or is it the colour of their skin that makes them less important? Or the religion they practise?
"These things should be irrelevant if you truly believe that 'we are all equal'."
Speaking earlier Wednesday, Australian Sports Minister Anika Wells said she believed Khawaja's shoes did not break ICC rules.
"I think he has done it in a peaceful and respectful way," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted her as saying.
In 2014 the ICC banned England all-rounder Moeen Ali from wearing wristbands saying "Save Gaza" and "Free Palestine" during a home Test.
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