(Cricket News) Usman Khawaja, an Australian batter, attempted to raise awareness about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Still, the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected his most recent application to wear an image of a dove and an olive branch on his bat and shoes.
The ICC’s rules about clothing and equipment forbid players and team officials from wearing personal messages on their gear. Sources state that on Sunday during Australia’s training session, Khawaja wore the logo on his shoe and the back of the bat.
Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood,” is referenced in the logo that Khawaja plans to display.
“After considering Usman Khawaja’s request for a personal message logo on his bat for the remaining Test series against Pakistan, the ICC did not approve the application. According to Clause F of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations, which can be found on the ICC Playing Conditions page, personal messages of this nature are not allowed.
The ICC is supportive of players using their platforms to promote human rights, peace, and equality outside of the playing arena and would encourage him to continue using alternative platforms,” an ICC spokesperson stated.
The left-handed hitter faced charges under the same rule for wearing a black armband without permission during the first Test match between Pakistan and Perth. In an effort to draw attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Khawaja chose to wear the armband on the field rather than writing and wearing the phrases “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right.”
While players frequently wear black armbands to honor the memory of deceased teammates, family members, or other significant figures, they must first obtain approval from the ICC and the national board. Khawaja could make his comeback to the field on Tuesday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the second Test of the three-match series between Australia and Pakistan.
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