Usman Khawaja's shoes and cricket's chequered history with political messages

Australian batsman Usman Khawaja found himself in the middle of a controversy ahead of Thursday's first Test against Pakistan as he was barred from wearing special shoes in support of Palestinians suffering in Gaza.

Khawaja had "freedom is a human right" and "all lives are equal" written on his shoes in the colours of the Palestinian flag during training ahead of the opening Test in Perth, with the intention of wearing them during the match.

Khawaja insists it was a humanitarian appeal and not a political message – which is barred by the International Cricket Council.

"Is freedom not for everyone? Are all lives not equal?" Khawaja said in an emotional video message on social media.

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... pic.twitter.com/8eaPnBfUEb

"To me personally it doesn't matter what race, religion or culture you are. I'm just speaking up for those who don't have a voice.

"The ICC have told me that I can't wear my shoes on field because they believe it's a political statement under their guidelines. I don't believe it is so – it's a humanitarian appeal," he added.

"I will respect their view and decision but I will fight it and seek to gain approval."

Keeping sports and politics separate is a difficult task, and sometimes one spills into the other. Below are some instances where the lines have blurred in cricket.

The England all-rounder was barred from wearing wristbands bearing the slogans “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” during a Test against India in Southampton in 2014.

Moeen was informed that he was free to make political statements in his personal life, just not on a cricket field.

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