The cricketer from Pakistan planned to wear boots with the messages “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal,” written in the colors of the Palestinian flag during the match at Perth Stadium. However, Cricket Australia rejected the idea, citing the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits players from displaying messages on clothing or equipment without prior approval. Cricket Australia stated, “While we support our players’ right to express personal opinions, we expect them to adhere to the ICC rules that prohibit the display of personal messages.”

“We support the right of our players to express personal opinions, but the ICC has rules in place which prohibit the display of personal messages which we expect the players to uphold,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.

Captain Pat Cummins Backs Teammate ꦆbut Opꦇts Not to Wear Advocacy Shoes

“I don’t think his intention was to make too big of a fuss. I think he had ‘all lives are equal’. I don’t think that’s very divisive. I don’t think anyone can have too many complaints about that,” said Cummins.