Usman Khawaja’s appeal on the “armband” problem is rejected by the International Criminal Court. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja’s petition to have his armband worn during the Perth Test against Pakistan sanctioned. This was reported by Fox Cricket. Khawaja is of Pakistani descent.
After wearing a black armband to express his “personal bereavement” over the loss of precious lives, particularly children’s deaths, in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which has seen more than 23,000 Palestinians killed as a result of Israeli offensive, Khawja was charged with breaking the ICC’s code of conduct.
The Australian opener’s appeal was denied, thus Khawaja’s rule violation will remain the subject of the cricket association’s censure.
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Clause F of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations, which are available on the ICC Playing Conditions page, is the violation for which Khawaja has been charged. A representative for the ICC had stated, “Appendix 2 outlines the sanctions for a breach of the regulations.”
“[He] wore an armband with a personal statement during the first Test match against Pakistan without first getting permission from Cricket Australia and the ICC to do so, as stipulated by the personal message laws. A reprimand is the penalty for a first offense and falls under the category of “other breach,” according to the regulatory body’s spokesperson.
Khawaja originally intended to wear sneakers bearing the phrases “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal.”
In December, Khawaja stated, “They asked me on day two what it was for and told them it was for a personal bereavement.”
“I never mentioned that it was for any other purpose. Happily, the shoes were an entirely different story. To me, the armband is incomprehensible.
“I complied with all rules and previous precedents, including those of people who had put stickers on their bats and names on their shoes and had done a variety of other things without ICC consent before, all without ever receiving criticism. I honor the ICC and all of its rules and regulations.
“I am going to be questioning them and arguing that they officiate consistently and fairly for everyone.” That consistency still needs to be achieved.
