Israel war on Gaza: ICC dismisses Usman Khawaja's appeal over ‘armband' issue

Pakistani-origin Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja’s appeal seeking sanction of an armband — he wore during the Perth Test against Pakistan — has been dismissed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), reported Fox Cricket.

Khawja was charged with a violation of the ICC’s code of Conduct after he wore a black armband to reflect his "personal bereavement" over the loss of precious lives, especially children’s deaths, in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza — which has seen more than 23,000 Palestinians being killed due to Israeli offensive.

Rejection of the Australian opener’s appeal means that the cricketing body’s reprimand will stand over the breach of regulations by Khawaja.

“[Usman] Khawaja has been charged for breaching Clause F of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations, which can be found on the ICC Playing Conditions page. The sanctions for a breach of the regulations are outlined in Appendix 2,” an ICC spokesperson had said.

“[He] 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 offence is a reprimand,” the regulatory body’s spokesperson added.

Khawaja was initially looking to wear shoes with the slogans “All lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” on them, but this was rejected before he could execute his plans.

The opener had complained about “double standards” from the ICC over the decision.

“They [ICC] asked me on day two what it was for and [I] told them it was for a personal bereavement,” Khawaja said in December.

“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. I respect the ICC and the rules and regulations they have.

“I will be asking them and contesting they make it fair and equitable for everyone and they have consistency in how they officiate. That consistency hasn’t been done yet.”

Khawaja has been permitted by Cricket Australia to wear an image of a dove with an olive branch if he plays in the BBL this season.