Usman Khawaja, the opener for Australia, has been found in violation of ICC (International Cricket Council) rules for wearing black armbands without permission during Australia vs. Pakistan’s first Test in Perth. Notably, the 37-year-old had previously scheduled to wear shoes bearing the phrases “freedom is a human right” and “all lives are equal” in an effort to draw attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
He abandoned his choice, though, after Cricket Australia (CA) intervened, as the ICC forbids players from wearing political slogans on their gear. Rather, the Australian batter chose to show support for the cause by donning black armbands, but the ICC isn’t too fond of it either.
Importantly, black armbands are frequently worn on the cricket pitch to honor the memories of departed players, loved ones, or other noteworthy people. Players must, however, obtain prior approval from the ICC and the board before donning them, something Khawaja was unable to do. He has been charged with violating Clothing and Equipment Regulations, Clause F; however, the exact penalty is still pending.
Clause F of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations has been violated, according to charges against Usman Khawaja.
As required by the rules regarding personal messages, Usman Khawaja wore an arm band with a personal message during the opening Test match against Pakistan without previously getting permission from Cricket Australia or the ICC. According to an ICC spokesperson cited by ESPNCricinfo, this violation falls under the category of an “other breach,” and the punishment for a first offense is a reprimand.
The Equipment Rules of the ICC
According to the ICC’s regulations regarding clothing and equipment, “Players and team officials are not allowed to wear, display, or convey personal messages on their clothing, equipment, or otherwise, regardless of whether such messages are attached to clothing, equipment, or otherwise; whether such messages are displayed or conveyed through the use of the specific clothing or other items (e.g., an arm band) or by the use of words, symbol, graphic message, images, or otherwise (‘personal messages’), unless approved in advance by both the respective boards of the player or team official and the ICC Cricket Operations Department.” Relating to political, religious, or racial actions or causes, statements will not be approved.”
Notably, Usman Khawaja had already responded to the ICC’s intervention with a video message on his social media accounts, announcing that he would keep fighting for his cause.
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