Khawaja not to wear messages on his shoes due to ICC regulations

Australia captain Pat Cummins has confirmed that opener Usman Khawaja will not wear any written messages on his shoes in the first Test against Pakistan starting on Thursday in Perth due to ICC regulations. Khawaja had "all lives are equal" and "freedom is a human right" written on his batting spikes at training on Tuesday, and later said that while he would follow rules, he will "fight it".

A visibly emotional Khawaja defended the messaging in a video post on social media, arguing it was not a political statement.

"What I've written on my shoes is not political," he said. "I'm not taking sides. Human life to me is equal. One Jewish life is equal to one Muslim life is equal to one Hindu life and so on.

"I'm just speaking up for those who don't have a voice."

He also said that he would continue to fight for his right to express these views. "The ICC have told me I can't wear my shoes on the field because they feel it's a political statement under their guidelines," he said. "I don't believe it's so. It's a humanitarian appeal. I will respect their view and decision. But I will fight it and seek to gain approval."