Usman Khawaja faced denial from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for displaying a peace symbol on his bat and shoes during the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.
Khawaja intended to feature a sticker depicting a black dove and 01:UDHR, referring to Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This move was aimed at supporting humanitarian causes, but it was reportedly turned down by the ICC, as disclosed by local media.
Khawaja, who had previously sought to exhibit messages like “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” on his shoes in the first Test in Perth, was prohibited by ICC regulations concerning statements linked to politics, religion, or race.
Although he wore a black armband during the match as a personal tribute, he faced reprimand from the ICC. Despite the rejection, Khawaja remained steadfast in his stance, expressing his distress over the Israel-Hamas conflict and the loss of innocent lives, particularly children, which deeply affected him.
The ICC, however, has yet to comment on the matter, indicating the ongoing discussion and potential implications for Khawaja’s intended display of solidarity and support for humanitarian causes.
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