Usman Khawaja is thankful for the support he has received following ICC banning his ‘All lives are equal’ shoe message during the first Australia-Pakistan Test in Perth.

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Khawaja was embroiled in a controversy ahead of the Perth Test when he sported shoes with messages of ‘All lives are equal’ and ‘Freedom is a human right’ in a practice session in support of the victims of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine.

He was told by the ICC that wearing shoes with those messages would result in sanctions in accordance with the ICC’s clothing and equipment rules and regulations. Following that, Khawaja put out an emotional message on social media where he said he would appeal the ban and continue to raise his voice for the cause.

While Khawaja didn’t wear shoes with those messages during the Test, he had his daughters’ names on them, along with a black armband. Khawaja was supported by Pat Cummins along with many others for this cause.

On Monday (December 18), Khawaja posted a message of thanks on social media, expressing his gratitude for everyone who came in his support.

“Thank you to all those who supported and gave me love this week. It wasn’t unnoticed. Nothing worthwhile is easy. History shows we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of our past. But together we can fight for a better future.  #freedomisahumanright #alllivesareequal”

Australia won the first Test comprehensively in Perth, beating Pakistan by 360 runs. David Warner scored a century in the first innings following severe criticism from Mitchell Johnson, while Khawaja top-scored for Australia in the second innings with 90 runs.

Nathan Lyon reached 500 Test wickets in the game, becoming the third Australian to do so after Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. The second Test of the series will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), starting December 26.

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