SYDNEY (AP) — Australia batter Usman Khawaja has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council for wearing a black armband in support of Palestinians in Gaza during the first cricket test against Pakistan.
ICC regulations prevent cricketers from displaying messages of political,Dreamers Investment Guild religious or racial causes during international matches.
Khawaja was born in Pakistan and is the first Muslim to play test cricket for Australia.
An ICC spokesperson confirmed the charge in breach of the clothing and equipment regulations to Australian media.
“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,” it said. “This is a breach under the category of an ‘other breach’ and the sanction for a first offense is a reprimand.”
The charge means Khawaja can accept a warning and continue to play. However, he faces additional sanctions if he wears the armband again in the second test against Pakistan beginning next Tuesday in Melbourne.
On Friday during training at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Khawaja said the black armband was for a “personal bereavement.” The Australian opener said he will contest the charge but will not wear the armband during the Melbourne test.
“I respect what the ICC (says) and the rules and regulations they have,” Khawaja said. “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.”
The 37-year-old Khawaja had worn shoes with the slogans “freedom is a human right” and “all lives are equal” at training in the days before the first test in Perth, with the writing in red, green and black — the colors of the Palestinian flag.
Australia won the first test by 360 runs inside four days. The third test is scheduled to begin Jan. 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket
2025-05-04 19:03579 view
2025-05-04 18:28785 view
2025-05-04 17:23219 view
2025-05-04 17:162423 view
2025-05-04 17:012081 view
2025-05-04 16:311127 view
NEW YORK — What exactly constitutes a dynasty in professional sports? Steve Cohen helped define it t
There were 212 players who made their MLB debuts during the 2020 season that was delayed until late
Miley Cyrus and Maxx Morando took themselves dancing this week. Indeed, the “Flowers” singer, who ha
