Australia PM on Usman Khawaja:
Australian cricket sensation Usman Khawaja is making headlines. Amid the Israel-Hamas war, Khawaja steadfastly supports the victims of Gaza and Palestine, even facing off with the International Cricket Council (ICC). Now, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has entered the fray.
Albanese has praised Khawaja for his actions. Notably, before the first test against Pakistan, Khawaja requested ICC's permission to wear a black dove sticker on his bat and shoes, symbolizing peace and freedom in regions like Palestine.
Captain Cummins Supports Khawaja
The ICC denied Khawaja's request. The black dove symbolizes peace and freedom in places like Palestine. In response, Khawaja wore a black armband during the Perth Test. The ICC criticized him for this and advised against similar actions in the future.
Australian captain Pat Cummins entered the situation too, backing Khawaja by stating that Khawaja's gesture towards the human rights crisis in Gaza was not hostile. Now the issue has engaged Australian PM Albanese's attention as well.
PM Commends Khawaja's Courage
Before the Sydney Test, Albanese addressed both the Australian and Pakistani teams, praising Khawaja. He stated, 'I commend Khawaja for courageously standing up for humanitarian principles. He has shown bravery, and the team's support for him is commendable.'
Khawaja's Pakistani Roots
Under ICC regulations, cricketers cannot promote political, religious, or racist messages during international matches. Usman Khawaja was born on December 18, 1986, in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital. He moved to Australia with his parents at a young age. Khawaja's father, Tariq, was a club cricketer in Pakistan, naturally inspiring Khawaja's affection for the sport. Khawaja has played 67 Tests, 40 ODIs, and nine T20s for Australia so far. He will be seen in action in the second Test against Pakistan from December 26th in Melbourne.
