From Usman Khawaja to Team India: Top cricketers & teams that made political statements on field

The Pakistan-born batsman of Australian cricket Usman Khawaja was found playing with a black armband on his shoulder during the first Test against Pakistan at Perth.

Khawaja was protesting against International Cricket Council’s (ICC) ban on his shoes that has ‘All Lives Are Equal’ slogan. The Australian batter wanted to show his solidarity with the people in Palestine who are losing their lives every day during the ongoing war with Israel.

Let’s have a look at some other cricketers and teams that have made political statements on cricket field...

When India courted controversy

Team India players courted controversy in 2019 when they wore Army caps as a tribute to the armed forces before an ODI in Ranchi. The incident happened few weeks after the Indian Air Force bombed terror camps at Balkot in response to the Pulwama attack. However, Pakistan Cricket Board lodged a formal complaint with ICC in this regard.

Moeen Ali controversy

England all-rounder Moeen Ali courted controversy in 2014 by wearing wristbands supporting the people of Gaza during a Test match against India. The wristband read- ‘Save Gaza and free Palestine’.

Zimbabwe players’ mourning

Zimbabwe cricketers Andy Flower and Henry Olonga protested against their government silently in 2003 World Cup. Both the cricketers wore black armbands to ‘mourn the death of democracy’ in their country.

Walk out by Proteas

South Africa cricketers walked off the field after just one ball during a first-class match in 1971. The act was in protest against the apartheid regime.

West Indies and BLM

West Indies players started taking the knee as an anti-racism gesture and in support of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ (BLM) movement from 2020 onwards.