Sydney: The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has applauded cricketer Usman Khawaja’s bravery in expressing solidarity with the victims of Gaza despite a standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Khawaja, the Australian opener, faced opposition from the ICC for displaying messages of equality and freedom, including a dove logo and an olive branch on his shoes in support of Palestinians during the Test series against Pakistan.
Following this, the ICC barred Khawaja from featuring any symbols. However, the Prime Minister of Australia recognized Khawaja’s courage during an address to both the Australian and Pakistan teams ahead of the Sydney Test.
Prior to the Pakistan-Australia Sydney Test match, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in an honorary gesture for both teams, hosted a dinner. On this occasion, while applauding Usman Khawaja, he said, “I’d like to congratulate [Khawaja] for the courage he has shown standing up for human values,” said Prime Minister Albanese. “He has shown courage, and the fact that the team has backed him in is a great thing.”
The words of the Australian Prime Minister have provided comfort to Usman Khawaja, and following his request, after an important meeting of Cricket Australia, Usman Khawaja has been allowed to wear the dove logo during the upcoming Big Bash matches.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed hope that the Pakistan team would play good cricket in Sydney, just like in Melbourne.
Albanese highlighted the upcoming Sydney Test, where Khawaja and David Warner would open the innings together for the last time, with Warner retiring from the traditional format after the match.
Previously, the Australian captain Pat Cummins also voiced support for Khawaja, asserting that the opener’s attempt to bring attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was “not offensive.” Cummins commended Khawaja for standing up for his beliefs in a respectful manner.
It is worth noting that Usman Khawaja had sought approval from the ICC to display a logo featuring a black dove holding an olive branch on his bat and shoes during the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan, but the request was rejected.
The ICC had previously reprimanded Khawaja for wearing a black armband during Australia’s victory over Pakistan in Perth.
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