Usman Khawaja, the Australian opener, is under investigation by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a protest gesture involving wearing a black armband in the Test match against Pakistan at Optus Stadium in Perth.
This incident took place during Australia’s emphatic 360-run win in the series opener. Khawaja, who played a vital role in the victory with scores of 41 and 90 across two innings, is being scrutinized for his act on Day 4 of the match.
Recently, Khawaja expressed disapproval of the ICC’s censorship, stating that he remains dedicated to advocating messages of support for civilians in Gaza.
ICC penalizes Usman Khawaja for sharing a personal message in Perth Test
“Usman Khawaja has been charged for breaching Clause F of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations, which can be found on the ICC Playing Conditions page. The sanctions for a breach of the regulations are outlined in Appendix 2,” an ICC spokesperson said.
The ICC penalized Khawaja for what reason?
“Usman displayed a personal message (armband) during the 1st Test Match against Pakistan without seeking the prior approval of Cricket Australia and the ICC to display it, as required in the regulations for personal messages. This is a breach under the category of an “other breach” and the sanction for a first offence is a reprimand.”
ICC warned Khawaja before
At 36 years old, Khawaja showcased the slogans “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” on his shoes. The ICC warned him about potential consequences if he continued displaying these messages.
Khawaja covered the messages with tape but entered the field on the Test’s first day wearing a black armband on his left arm. According to ICC playing rules, players are not permitted to have ‘personal messages’ on their cricket gear.
What do the regulations state?
“Players and team officials shall not be permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey personal messages on their clothing, equipment or otherwise, irrespective of whether such messages are affixed to clothing, equipment or otherwise and whether such messages are displayed or conveyed through the use of the specific clothing or other items (eg. an arm band) or by the use of words, symbol, graphic message, images or otherwise (‘personal messages’), unless approved in advance by both the player or team official’s board and the ICC Cricket Operations Department.”
”Approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes,” the rules state.
According to Reuters, the ongoing Israeli attack on Gaza, a response to a cross-border attack by Hamas, has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians.
In 2014, England all-rounder Moeen Ali was prohibited by the ICC from wearing wristbands displaying the slogans “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine.” Khawaja is anticipated to play in Australia’s upcoming match against Pakistan, with the second Test starting on Tuesday.
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