Australian cricketer to 'fight' ban on Gaza solidarity message

An Australian cricketer who displayed a message of support for Gaza on his shoes said he would fight the International Cricket Council (ICC)'s ban on displaying the solidarity gesture while playing. 

During a training session for Australia's first test against Pakistan on Tuesday, Usman Khawaja had the phrases "Freedom is a human right" and "All lives are equal" written on his boots in the colours of the Palestinian flag. 

"The ICC have told me I can't wear my shoes on the field because they believe it's a political statement under their guidelines," Khawaja said in a video posted on X on Wednesday.

"I don't believe in this though. It's a humanitarian appeal. I will respect their view and decision, but I will fight it and seek to get an approval. Freedom is a human right."