In a turn of events, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Australian opener Usman Khawaja’s attempt to raise awareness about the Gaza crisis. Khawaja sought permission to display a dove and an olive branch on his bat and shoes, but the application was denied for the second Test against Pakistan, sparking controversy.
“The ICC, after giving due consideration to Usman Khawaja’s request for a personal message logo on his bat for the remainder of the Test series against Pakistan, did not approve the application,” stated an ICC spokesperson. The rejection was based on Clause F of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations, prohibiting personal messages of a political, religious, or racial nature.
Khawaja, previously charged for breaching regulations by wearing a black armband in Perth, expressed personal bereavement. Despite Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association approving the logo on his bat during practice, the ICC maintained its stance against personal messages.
Former West Indies cricketer Michael Holding criticized the ICC, highlighting its “hypocrisy and lack of moral standing.” Holding questioned the inconsistency, pointing out that players worldwide had taken the knee for Black Lives Matter, and stumps were adorned with LGBTQ colors. Holding remarked, “Once again, they show their hypocrisy and lack of moral standing as an organisation.”
The ICC, while rejecting Khawaja’s request, affirmed support for players advocating human rights, peace, and equality on alternative platforms.
