Sports
Image Credits: Instagram/ Usman Khawaja
Usman Khawaja wasn't the first to voice his opinions through symbolism on his playing uniform. In fact, beyond cricket, some athletes have been more vocal in expressing their opinions through their jerseys or other symbols and have faced severe backlash from the organisers and the audience alike. Here are six such instances.
Image Credits: Instagram/ Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton (2020)In 2020, Lewis Hamilton supported Black Lives Matter, notably in Formula One. Wearing themed t-shirts and kneeling before races, he faced mixed reactions, with praise for addressing racial injustice and criticism for politicizing sports. Despite backlash, Hamilton persisted, highlighting athletes' influence in societal issues.
Image Credits: Instaolgram/ Colin Kaepernick
Colin KaepernickIn 2016, Colin Kaepernick protested racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem at NFL games. This sparked debate and a broader movement but also led to backlash, with some viewing it as disrespectful. Kaepernick became controversial and hasn't played in the NFL since 2016.
Image Credits: Instagram/ Moeen Ali
Moeen AliIn 2014, Moeen Ali wore "Save Gaza" and "Free Palestine" wristbands during a cricket match, sparking controversy. The ICC, which bans political messages in matches, warned him against such displays. Ali faced divided opinions on the appropriateness of his gesture in sports.
Image Credits: Instagram/ Lebron James
Lebron JamesIn 2014, LeBron James wore "I Can't Breathe" t-shirts to protest Eric Garner's death and police brutality. The move, part of a wider athlete-driven social movement, drew both support and criticism over mixing sports with political statements. The NBA did not penalize the players for their protest.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
West Indies Cricket TeamIn 2020, the West Indies cricket team supported the Black Lives Matter movement during their England tour. They wore BLM logos and kneeled before games, garnering support for highlighting racial issues but also facing criticism from those opposed to political statements in sports.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Muhammad AliIn 1966, Muhammad Ali refused induction into the U.S. Army due to his religious beliefs and anti-war stance. He faced major backlash, losing his heavyweight title and facing a boxing ban, which significantly impacted his career. Ali became a symbol of resistance, highlighting sports' role in social and political issues.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Henry Olonga and Andy FlowerIn 2003, Zimbabwean cricketers Andy Flower and Henry Olonga wore black armbands during a World Cup match to protest against the Mugabe regime, mourning "the death of democracy" in Zimbabwe. Their action led to severe repercussions, including threats to their safety and careers, with Olonga going into exile and Flower leaving the national team.