Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan on Friday rallied behind Australia batter Usman Khawaja for wearing an armband, showing solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Islamabad United skipper lavished praise on Khawaja for raising his voice for the Palestinians.

“You are an inspiration, brother Usman Khawaja,” he wrote.

U are an inspiration brother @Uz_Khawaja pic.twitter.com/3HHxvzLT4z
— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) December 22, 2023

– Usman Khawaja contests ICC charge –

Separately, Khawaja had challenged the International Cricket Council's (ICC) charge for wearing a black armband during the first Test against Pakistan, raising questions about the application of regulations.

Khawaja donned the armband in Perth after initially wanting to wear shoes emblazoned with "All lives are equal" and "Freedom is a human right" in support of the Palestinian cause. These messages were deemed to be in violation of ICC rules concerning political statements.

While black armbands are permitted to honour deceased individuals, prior approval from the national board and ICC is mandatory. Khawaja, however, claims he informed the ICC the armband was for personal bereavement, adhering to regulations.

Speaking in Melbourne ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Khawaja expressed his confusion over the inconsistency in enforcing rules.