(Image Source: Twitter)
[Saba Sports News] Australian opener Usman Khawaja recently made an attempt to honor lives lost in Gaza by displaying a black dove with an olive branch on his shoes for the upcoming Boxing Day Test. However, his request faced a setback when the International Cricket Council (ICC) denied permission for the humanitarian logo.
During a practice session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Khawaja showcased the black dove emblem on his right shoe and bat, coupled with a significant quote from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The inscription underlined the principles of freedom, equality, and brotherhood inherent to human rights.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Khawaja’s commitment to human rights advocacy was clear, despite the ICC’s rejection. His gesture aimed to symbolize unity and compassion, akin to Marnus Labuschagne’s personal symbolism on his bat, featuring an eagle and a Bible verse from Isaiah 40:31.
Khawaja had received approval from Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers Association for his logo before the MCG Test. However, the ICC’s denial on Sunday put a halt to his plans.
Khawaja, who had earlier expressed his views on the matter, highlighted the need for fairness and consistency in the ICC’s rulings, pointing out past instances of players using personal symbols without explicit ICC approval.
“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 what 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 shared.