Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja faced a denial from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to display a peace symbol on his bat and shoes during the Boxing Day match against Pakistan. His attempt to feature a sticker with a black dove and the words 01:UDHR (referencing Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) was rejected, as it was considered to violate ICC rules on messages related to politics, religion, or race.
Khawaja, a Muslim, had previously been prohibited from wearing shoes with handwritten slogans supporting human rights during the first Test in Perth. These slogans aimed to express solidarity with the people of Gà-zà amid the Israeli assault, but ICC regulations intervened.
Despite facing reprimand for wearing a black armband during the first Test, Khawaja contested the ruling, insisting it was for a “personal bereavement.” In his recent attempt to highlight humanitarian concerns on his gear, the ICC once again disapproved.
The cricketer, on Friday, shared his emotional response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, expressing despair at the loss of innocent children. He clarified that his actions were driven by a genuine desire to bring attention to issues he felt strongly about, emphasizing a humanitarian perspective.
Khawaja’s efforts to use cricket as a platform for conveying messages of peace and human rights have encountered resistance from the ICC, which remains steadfast in enforcing regulations against politically charged statements on players’ attire.
The ongoing dialogue between Khawaja and cricket authorities in Australia reflects the intersection of sports, individual expression, and geopolitical issues, raising questions about the role of athletes in using their platforms to address broader societal concerns.
