Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has 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.
Also Read: Usman Khawaja faces reprimand over armband in Palestine protest
"The shoes were a different matter, but the armband... I followed all regulations and past precedents," he stated. He cited past instances of players customising bats or wearing unauthorised shoes and armbands without permission and repercussions.
He said he had no political agenda, adding that he expressed his feelings for the killings in Gaza with what he wrote on his shoes. “Not religious or political, but I expressed solidarity on humanitarian grounds,” Khawaja said, insisting that he had no hidden agenda, but it was all about human rights.
An emotional Usman Khawaja addresses why he's speaking up for human rights issues this summer ☮️ #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/3QDjUWpjgG
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 22, 2023
Khawaja emphasised his respect for the ICC and its rules but contested the lack of uniform application. "I will be asking them to make it fair and equitable for everyone," he declared. "I was very open and honest. I'll deal with that with the ICC."
He said he adhered to and respected the ICC rules, and vowed not to wear an armband ever again. Khawaja also clarified that he was only disturbed by the videos of innocent children being killed.
The challenge throws the spotlight on the ICC's regulations and their implementation. Whether Khawaja's personal reason for wearing the armband holds weight and how the ICC responds to his concerns remain to be seen. The controversy adds another layer to the upcoming Boxing Day Test, sure to draw both cricketing and human rights-related attention.
