Australia PM praises Khawaja for showing courage amid stand-off with ICC

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praises Usman Khawaja's courage for standing up for human values, despite ICC reprimand.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised Usman Khawaja's courage amid his standoff with the ICC after expressing solidarity with the victims of the conflict between Palestine and Israel.

The ICC has barred the Australian opener from displaying messages of equality and freedom, specifically a dove logo and an olive branch on his shoes, during the Test series against Pakistan.

The decision was based on the international regulation that prohibits players from showcasing personal messages on their uniforms.

But his act has won him an admirer in the country's premier who touched upon Khawaja's gesture during an address to the Australian and Pakistan teams ahead of the Sydney Test.

"I'd like to congratulate (Khawaja) for the courage he has shown standing up for human values," Albanese said. "He has shown courage, and the fact that the team has backed him in is a great thing."

"When Ussie and Dave (David Warner) go out, it will be a very special moment, when you walk on to the SCG," Mr. Albanese added.

The SCG Test will mark the last time Khawaja and Warner will be walking out together to open the innings with the latter retiring from the traditional format after the match beginning on Wednesday.