Usman Khawaja wore the ICC-prohibited dove and olive branch emblem on his bat and footwear during the BBL match in Brisbane against the Perth Scorchers.
The Cricket Australia board granted approval for the image prior to the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. However, notwithstanding Khawaja’s submission to the ICC, the regulating body declined to grant him authorization to utilize it throughout the match. Because it is a domestic competition, the BBL is not subject to ICC oversight.
The symbol that adorned the rear of his bat at the beginning of the innings was broken in the first over, and the replacement bat failed to display it.
The ICC prevented Khawaja from entering the field during the Perth Test with humanitarian messages orations that brought attention to the Gaza conflict emblazoned on his footwear.
It was believed that the black armband he subsequently donned was in reference to his social media postings concerning the humanitarian crisis; however, Khawaja clarified prior to the Melbourne Test that it was for a personal bereavement.
Article one of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,” is also referenced in the logo on Khawaja’s shoes and bat. They ought to conduct themselves in a manner of fraternity toward one another, given their rationality and conscience.
In the past, Khawaja expressed his skepticism regarding the ICC’s consistent enforcement of regulations.
“They asked me on day two [in Perth] what it was for and told them it was for a personal bereavement,” he said of the armband. “I never ever stated it was for anything else. The shoes were a different matter, I’m happy to say that. The armband makes no sense to me. I followed all the regulations, past precedents, guys that put stickers on their bats, names on their shoes, done all sorts of things in the past without ICC approval and never been reprimanded.”
“When I’m looking at my Instagram and seeing innocent kids, videos of them dying, passing away, that’s what hit me the hardest,” he had said. “I just imagine my young daughter in my arms and the same thing. I get emotional talking about it again. I don’t have any hidden agendas.
“If anything, this brings up more negativity towards me…I don’t get anything out of this. I just feel like it’s my responsibility to speak up on this. We live in such a beautiful country. I’m blessed to live in Australia. I can walk outside, don’t have to worry about a thing. My kids can do the same. I just want that for the rest of the world.”
He continued, “This is something that has influenced me for quite some time; I don’t do these things on a whim,” during a subsequent interview on Fox Cricket. Before the Test series, I was participating in Sheffield Shield cricket, and I was severely lacking in motivation. I informed my wife Rachel, our sports psychologist Brent Membery, and Cricket Australia that I am currently experiencing a severe lack of motivation.
Khawaja had been granted backing by Anthony Albanese, the prime minister of Australia. “Moreover, I would like to extend my congratulations to [Usman Khawaja] for the valor with which he has advocated for human values. His demonstration of bravery is commendable, and the team’s support in granting him entry is truly remarkable.”
