NEW DELHI: In a recent turn of events, the ICC has turned down the request from Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja to showcase a symbolic image of a dove and an olive branch on his bat and shoes to bring attention to human rights issues. The gesture aimed to align with Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The denied logo visually represents the declaration’s opening statement, emphasising the equal rights and dignity of all individuals. The ICC cited a breach of clause F within the Clothing and Equipment Regulations as the grounds for rejecting Khawaja’s proposal.
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Australian Captain, Pat Cummins expressed the team’s endorsement of Khawaja’s cause during a press conference. Cummins admitted not being privy to the application details but characterized it as “fairly straightforward, featuring a dove.” He underscored the team’s steadfast support for Khwaja’s dedication to championing equality and peace.
He further added,” We support Uzzy, I think he’s standing up for what he believes and I think he’s doing it respectfully. All lives are equal and I don’t think that’s very offensive, and I’d say the same about the dove. That’s Uzzy. He can hold his head high the way he’s gone about it, but there are rules in place, so I believe the ICC has said they’re not going to approve that. They make up the rules and you’ve got to accept it.”
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According to information sourced from ESPNCricinfo, an ICC spokesperson clarified that, “Personal messages of this nature are not allowed as per Clause F of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations.”
The spokesperson also emphasized the ICC’s backing for players advocating human rights, peace and equality, encouraging them to explore alternative platforms for such expressions. Cummins supports Khawaja’s stance on recognising the equality of all lives and highlighting the unnecessary nature of ongoing conflicts. The team stands firmly behind Khawaja’s position,” he added.
