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ICC Prevents Usman Khawaja From Projecting Peace Symbol On His Bat & Shoes

image-lqj7mdzfKhawaja wearing a black armband in support of Palestine. (AP)

Veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja has once again found himself in the spotlight as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly rejected his recent attempt to express solidarity with the victims in Gaza ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan starting on December 26. 

Reports on Sunday suggest that Khawaja has been denied permission to showcase a peace symbol on his bat and shoes for the second Test. The ICC has not provided an immediate comment on this matter.

During a training session in Melbourne on Sunday, observers noticed a sticker featuring a black dove holding an olive branch and the words '01:UDHR,' referencing Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This sticker was seen on the left-hander's right shoe and the back of his bat. 

During the opening Test in Perth, Khawaja had planned to wear shoes with slogans like 'All lives are equal' and 'Freedom is a human right', but the ICC disallowed it. However, his decision to wear a black armband led to a reprimand from the ICC, which Khawaja clarified was for personal bereavement.

Despite engaging in multiple discussions with Cricket Australia to determine an appropriate message for the second Test, Khawaja's latest attempt at a humanitarian gesture has been rejected by the International Cricket Committee (ICC), according to reports from The Australian and Melbourne Age newspapers. 

While Khawaja has opted not to comment on this recent development, he extensively discussed the matter on Friday, expressing his disappointment with the ICC's inconsistency in reprimanding cricketers for stickers on their bats. Despite respecting the ICC's rules and regulations, the 36-year-old hopes for fairness in future decisions.

The World Test champions, Australia, currently lead the three-match series against Pakistan 1-0 after a convincing victory in Perth. Khawaja, who scored 41 in the first innings and a hard-fought 90 in the second, played a significant role in Australia's 360-run win. 

The second Test is scheduled to take place at the iconic MCG from December 26 to December 30. If Australia secures a victory in this Test, they will take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.