Usman Khawaja wears black armband after ICC bars him from wearing 'all lives are equal' shoes

Australia batter Usman Khawaja wasn't allowed to wear shoes branded with an “all lives are equal” humanitarian message, so he wore a black armband instead on Day 1 of the series-opening cricket test against Pakistan.

The International Cricket Council intervened on Wednesday after Khawaja indicated he planned to wear shoes during the match that featured messages to highlight the loss of innocent lives in the Israel-Hamas war.

The ICC's policies for international cricket prohibit displays of political or religious statements on team uniforms or equipment.

Khawaja said he'd abide by the ruling to avoid individual or team sanctions, but would challenge the ICC's stance.

The 36-year-old, who was born in Pakistan and is the first Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia, wore the black armband to show solidarity with people suffering in Gaza.

In pre-game TV interviews, he said there'd been precedents where other cricketers had been allowed to show support for other causes.

“I find it a little bit disappointing they came down hard on me and they don't always come down hard on everyone," he said.

Watch: Usman Khawaja criticises ICC, vows to fight for change after Gaza slogan ban