Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese ahead of the ‘Pink’ Test match between Australia and Pakistan at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) commended Usman Khawaja's courage in his stand-off with the ICC over displaying messages of equality and freedom in solidarity with victims of the Palestine-Israel conflict.
The controversy surfaced when Cricket's global governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), rejected Khawaja's application to feature a sticker with a black dove holding an olive branch on his bat and shoes during the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. ICC cited international regulations prohibiting personal messages on uniforms.
Prime Minister Albanese, in an address to the Australian and Pakistan teams ahead of the Sydney Test, acknowledged Khawaja's courage and the team's support for him.
"I'd like to congratulate (Khawaja) for the courage he has shown standing up for human values. He has shown courage, and the fact that the team has backed him in is a great thing," PTI quoted Albanese as saying.
Albanese also anticipated a special moment when Khawaja and David Warner come out together for the last time to open the innings in the upcoming SCG Test. Warner is set to retire from the traditional format after the match.
"When Ussie and Dave (David Warner) go out, it will be a very special moment, when you walk on to the SCG," Australian Prime minister added.
Last week, Australian captain Pat Cummins expressed support for Khawaja, stating that the opener's attempt to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was "not offensive." Cummins emphasised the team's backing of Khawaja's stance and commended him for addressing the issue respectfully.
The ICC had previously reprimanded Khawaja for wearing a black armband during Australia's victory over Pakistan in Perth. This action followed Khawaja being barred from wearing boots with messages like "Freedom is a human right" and "All lives are equal" in the colours of the Palestinian flag during a match at the Optus Stadium.