Australia batsman Usman Khawaja believes the statements he wrote on his shoes in support of the people of Gaza were not political and said he would fight the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s ruling that he cannot display them while playing.

Khawaja had the messages “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” written on his boots in the colours of the Palestinian flag in Tuesday’s training for the first test against Pakistan.

“I don’t believe in this though. It’s a humanitarian appeal. I will respect their view and decision, but I will fight it and seek to get an approval. Freedom is a human right.”

In a video posted to X, Khawaja said: “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…”