Tabraiz Shamsi Slams ICC Over Usman Khawaja’s Shoe Ban

Tabraiz Shamsi has criticized ICC ICC) for penalizing Australia opener Usman Khawaja's shoes with slogans

South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for penalizing Australia opener Usman Khawaja’s shoes with a message supporting Gaza.

Ahead of the opening Test against Pakistan, Khawaja sparked controversy by donning shoes emblazoned with the slogans ‘Freedom is a human right’ and ‘All lives are equal’.

His initial intention to wear those shoes with slogans in the first Test at Perth against Pakistan was curtailed upon learning that it would be against ICC regulations.

Following the ICC ruling, Khawaja refrained from wearing the shoes and pledged to challenge the guidelines, seeking approval. Yet, in the Perth Test against Pakistan, he did wear a black armband, expressing a message of personal bereavement.

Meanwhile, the South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has now come out in support of Usman Khawaja. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shamsi wrote:

“I would like the @ICC to explain what exactly has @Uz_Khawaja done wrong?? Why the double standards?? #AllLivesAreEqual #FreedomIsAHumanRight.”