Australia’s Usman Khawaja insists armband was not political after ICC’s reprimanding

Australia’s Usman Khawaja insists the armband was not political after the ICC reprimanded him for wearing a black armband to highlight the situation in Gaza.

Khawaja said on Friday that a black armband he wore in the first Test against Pakistan was for a “personal bereavement” and not politically motivated.

Usman Khawaja has been charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for sporting a black armband in the first Test against Pakistan in Perth in support of people in Gaza.

Khawaja told reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground that he would take up the reprimand with the ICC and that he only wanted consistency in the application of its rules.

“I told them it was for a personal bereavement. I never ever stated it was for anything else. The shoes were a different matter, I’m happy to say that,” the 37-year-old said

“But the armband (decision) made no sense to me.

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

“I just asked – and will be asking them and contesting that they make it fair and equitable for everyone and they have consistency in how they officiate. That’s all I ask for.”

An ICC spokesperson on Thursday said: “Usman displayed a personal message [armband] during the first 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.”

As per the ICC regulations, cricketers are barred from displaying messages of political, religious or racial causes although Khawaja says this was a “humanitarian appeal” to highlight the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict.

As reported, Khawaja can accept a warning and carry on playing but could face additional sanctions if he wears the armband again in the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

While speaking in a video message posted on social media after choosing not to wear his slogan-inscribed shoes in the first Test, Khawaja said: “What I’ve written on my shoes is not political.

“I’m not taking sides. Human life to me is equal. One Jewish life is equal to one Muslim life is equal to one Hindu life and so on. I’m just speaking up for those who don’t have a voice.

“The ICC has told me I can’t wear my shoes on the field because they feel it’s a political statement under their guidelines.

“I don’t believe it’s so. It’s a humanitarian appeal. I will respect their view and decision. But I will fight it and seek to gain approval.”

Khawaja is due to speak in Melbourne on Friday.