Khawaja is very passionate about his beliefs and morals, I’m very proud of him: Michael Hussey
"I think his real authentic self is coming out - this is who Uzzy is," Hussey said.
Popularly known as Mr Cricket, former Australia cricketer Michael Hussey stated that he was extremely proud of Usman Khawaja for standing up for his beliefs regarding the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine. Notably, the star opener decided to wear boots with ‘All Lives are Equal’ inscribed in it in the opening Test match against Pakistan but the International Cricket Council (ICC) denied permission. Later, he tried several meetings with ICC and Cricket Australia but nothing was concluded.
Meanwhile, during the practice session before the Boxing Day Test, the cricketer used an image of a dove, as well as a reference to Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, on one of his pads and bat but the ICC once again asked him to take it down. Speaking about the same, Hussey mentioned he respects Khawaja’s stand and added that the 37-year-old wasn’t afraid to deal with things he strongly believes in.
“I think his real authentic self is coming out - this is who Uzzy is. He's very passionate in his beliefs, his morals and his values, and he's not afraid to put them out there. I'm quite proud of him, actually. I don't think he's trying to be divisive or political or anything like that ... I respect what he's done. He's got to follow the rules set by the ICC, but he certainly is sticking true to what he believes in,” Hussey was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.
What we've been really clear about is that we support Uzzy: Nick Hockley
Cricket Australia, meanwhile, has supported Khawaja and is trying to solve the differences. Chief Executive Nick Hockley mentioned that they are constructively working alongside the cricketer to come to a conclusion but nothing has materialized so far.
“Over the last week or so we've been working really constructively with Uz, really to find a way that again is non-partisan. The symbol of the dove is an universally recognised symbol of peace. That being said, the ICC have got their rules and think they explained their rationale really clearly and we respect that. What we've been really clear about is that we support Uzzy and and all our players really to share what the what they believe over their own channels,” Hockley said.
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