As calls for an end to Israel’s aggression in Gaza and the West Bank amplify, celebrities and influential figures are increasingly using their platform to raise awareness about the cause. Recently, Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja wore a black armband in solidarity with Palestine during the Perth test match on Thursday. The gesture came after ICC and Cricket Australia opposed the opener’s decision to wear shoes bearing the slogans ‘Freedom is a human right’ and ‘All lives are equal’. Expressing his plans to challenge ICC’s decision, the cricketer reiterated his belief in the sanctity of all human life in a video message on X (formerly Twitter). “All Lives are Equal. Freedom is a Human right. I'm raising my voice for human rights. For a humanitarian appeal. If you see it any other way. That's on you…” Usman penned in the post’s caption. Pro-Palestine cricket aficionados flocked to the post commending the cricketer for taking a stand. All Lives are Equal. Freedom is a Human right. I'm raising my voice for human rights. For a humanitarian appeal. If you see it any other way. That's on you... pic.twitter.com/8eaPnBfUEb — Usman Khawaja (@Uz_Khawaja) December 13, 2023 Fans underscored Usman’s position as part of the Australian team and the significance of his statement. “You need some guts and courage to speak up on this matter after spending your whole life with non-Muslims. What an incredible guy! Massive respect for Usman Khawaja,” wrote one user. you need some guts and courage to speak up on this matter after spending your whole life with non muslims. what an incredible guy, massive respect for usman khawaja. https://t.co/jkdzleATA2 — Ahmed. (@ahmxidd) December 13, 2023 Another praised Usman, declaring, “Love this guy. ‘All Lives Are Equal’, the only people who would have an issue with that statement are those who don't believe it to be true. Top man, Usman.” One post contended that cricket fans should lend solidarity to the Australian cricketer for taking a humanitarian stand. Love this guy. "All Lives Are Equal" - The only people who would have an issue with that statement are those who don't believe it to be true. Top man Usman 👏👏👏 https://t.co/1maPbktU0D — Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) December 13, 2023 “Australian cricket is lucky to have this guy. It says a lot about us as a fanbase that we celebrate a player drinking 52 beers on a trip to London while cursing a player promoting humanitarian discourse,” the X user penned. Many criticised the intensifying social divide that attaches controversy to simple refrains of safeguarding life. Australian cricket is lucky to have this guy. It says a lot about us as a fanbase that we celebrate a player drinking 52 beers on a trip to London while cursing a player promoting humanitarian discourse. https://t.co/r684vRFFtN — Adam Zwar (@adamzwar) December 13, 2023 One post read, “A testament to the rancid inequity of the world that we live in that his simple slogan is considered political and controversial,” while another slammed cricket authorities for prompting justifications to support Gaza. “Utterly insane that a pro athlete has to explain why he thinks all life is worth preserving (the mildest, least aggressive public statement one could possibly make in 2023). Shame on the ICC, Cricket Australia,” read the post. A testament to the rancid inequity of the world that we live in that his simple slogan is considered political and controversial. https://t.co/WzjsyjNl6B — Reza Ali (@RezaAli1980) December 13, 2023 Utterly insane that a pro athlete has to explain why he thinks all life is worth preserving (the mildest, least aggressive public statement one could possibly make in 2023). Shame on the ICC, Cricket Australia. https://t.co/lGO2jNBfzA — Aditya Mani Jha (@aditya_mani_jha) December 13, 2023 Calling other cricketers to express solidarity with Palestine, one user maintained, “Really proud of him for speaking up like this. All lives are equal should never be a controversial statement. More cricketers should stand up to back him here.” Another netizen commented, “Usman Khawaja just keeps finding ways to make me respect and love him more.” Really proud of him for speaking up like this. All lives are equal should never be a controversial statement - more cricketers should stand up to back him here https://t.co/ycYrEXibBK — Safa صفا 🇵🇸 (@Baiguette) December 13, 2023 Usman Khawaja just keeps finding ways to make me respect and love him more. Perfectly said when you can tell he's holding a lot back. Guarantee that the same people offended by his shoes were the same people screaming "All Lives Matter" a few years ago 🙄 https://t.co/GcWWmF9W32 — Patrick Gray (@PatrickM_Gray) December 13, 2023 Hinting at the similar outrage exhibited by critics of Black Lives Matter, the user furthered on, “Perfectly said when you can tell he's holding a lot back. Guarantee that the same people offended by his shoes were the same people screaming ‘All Lives Matter’ a few years ago.” Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
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