During the first Test match between Australia and Pakistan, Usman Khawaja has found himself in trouble for his armband protest, challenging the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) ban on his intended shoe demonstration in an unexpected twist.
In Australia’s dominating 360-run victory over Pakistan, seasoned opener Usman Khawaja opted to make a significant statement by wearing a black armband during the match.
This action was a response to the ICC’s earlier decision to prevent Khawaja’s planned shoe protest, where he had inscribed messages advocating for freedom and equality.
Controversial Shoe Protest
Last week, Khawaja expressed discontent with the ICC’s restriction, reaffirming his dedication to supporting civilians in Gaza. His footwear featured handwritten messages such as “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal,” leading to a warning from the ICC about potential penalties if he sported the shoes during the match. The cricket governing body strictly prohibits the display of personal messages related to politics, religion, or race.
Despite Khawaja covering the contentious messages on his shoes with tape, he entered the field on the opening day of the Test match with a black armband on his left arm, sparking discussion and inquiries regarding the acceptable boundaries of personal expression within cricket.
ICC Imposes Reprimand
Reporters quickly pointed out previous instances where players had violated ICC regulations by wearing unauthorized black armbands.
Khawaja now faces reprimand for this initial violation, potentially leading to further conflicts if he continues to wear the armband during the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
According to an ICC spokesperson, “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 offense is a reprimand.”
Khawaja Criticizes ICC’s Intervention
However, Khawaja believes it’s unfair for the governing body to intervene and prevent him from conveying his message. He highlighted perceived inconsistencies in the ICC’s decisions, citing occasions where certain players were previously allowed to exhibit personal messages concerning politics, religion, or race.
The ICC’s clothing and equipment regulations state, “In determining whether a message is for a ‘political, religious or racial cause’… cricket should be used as a tool to bring people and communities around the world together and not as a platform to draw attention to potentially divisive political issues, rhetoric or agendas.”