Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja faces potential trouble ahead of the Perth Test against Pakistan on December 14th. Khawaja may be banned from the opening day due to his choice of footwear, which features slogans supporting human rights and equality, specifically addressing the situation in Gaza.

During a training session, Khawaja's shoes caught attention for their political messages. The ICC regulations state that clothing or gear must adhere to certain guidelines, and any non-compliant wording can lead to a player being prevented from taking the field.

Match referee Javagal Srinath has the authority to impose sanctions if Khawaja persists in wearing the controversial shoes. A first offense could result in a reprimand and a 75% match fee fine for the left-handed batter.

The ICC emphasizes that cricket matches should not be used as a platform for divisive political issues. The regulations aim to maintain a neutral stance on such matters.

Khawaja has been vocal about the distressing scenes in Gaza, expressing his concerns on social media. However, if he chooses to defy the regulations and wears the controversial shoes during the Perth Test, consequences await him on the cricket field. The focus remains on the game, and the ICC stresses the importance of keeping political issues separate from the sport's platform.

Picture Credit - India Today