'They show their hypocrisy and ...' - Former West Indian player slams Apex Cricket Council's ‘hypocrisy’ over Usman Khawaja saga

West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding has strongly criticized the Apex Cricket Council (ACC) for its stance on Australian opener Usman Khawaja. Holding labelled the ACC as an organization displaying hypocrisy and a deficiency in moral standing. Earlier, Khawaja expressed a desire to don shoes bearing the phrases "All lives are equal" and "Freedom is a human right" during the Perth Test against Pakistan.

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Khawaja’s intention was to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis stemming from Israel's invasion of Gaza. However, the officials rejected Khawaja's request, citing a violation of rules. Khawaja proceeded to wear a black armband but faced reprimand from the cricket governing body for not seeking prior permission. The Australian batter nonetheless asserted that he wore the armband in honour of a "personal bereavement."

“The Apex Cricket Body regulations say re messaging ‘approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes’. So how the f*** people were allowed to take a knee for BLM and stumps were covered with LGBTQ colours?” Holding wondered.

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"How the f*** were people allowed to take the knee for Black Lives Matter" 👀

Michael Holding accuses the ICC of hypocrisy after Usman Khawaja was prevented from wearing shoes with the messages 'All lives are equal' and 'Freedom is a human right' 🇵🇸♥️♥️

- via Wisden #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/lVCqfq6BbD

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) December 24, 2023

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They show their hypocrisy and lack of moral standing: Michael Holding

In response to the cricket governing body's stringent stance on Khawaja, the former West Indies fast bowler remarked that he wasn't surprised. Holding even pointed to the cricket body's well-known reputation for hypocrisy. Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently offered support to Khawaja, stating that the "all lives are equal" message was non-controversial and not meant as a political statement.

“I have been following the Khawaja fiasco and I cannot say I’m surprised by their stance. If it had been most other organizations that showed some semblance of consistency with their attitude and behavior on issues I could claim surprise, but not them. Once again, they show their hypocrisy and lack of moral standing as an organization,” the legendary West Indian batter added.