The Pakistan-born Khawaja confronted criticism from the worldwide cricket governing physique on Thursday for donning the armband throughout Australia’s 360-run victory over Pakistan within the collection opener held in Perth.
This incident adopted a earlier conflict with ICC laws, the place Khawaja was prohibited from that includes the messages ‘Freedom is a human proper’ and ‘All lives are equal’ within the colours of the Palestinian flag on his boots in the course of the Perth Stadium match.
Khawaja knowledgeable the media that he plans to dispute the reprimand with the ICC, emphasizing his need for constant utility of the foundations throughout the board.
“I instructed them it was for a private bereavement. I by no means ever said it was for the rest. The footwear have been a distinct matter, I am pleased to say that,” the 37-year-old mentioned on the Melbourne Cricket Floor.
“However the armband (resolution) made no sense to me. I respect…the ICC and the foundations and laws they’ve. I simply requested – and will probably be asking them and contesting that they make it truthful and equitable for everybody and so they have consistency in how they officiate. That is all I ask for.”
On Thursday, a spokesperson for the ICC said that Khawaja had exhibited a “private message” in opposition to Pakistan with out acquiring the mandatory prior approval from Cricket Australia and the ICC, as mandated.
Khawaja talked about that beforehand gamers had showcased private messages with out securing approval from the ICC, and so they had not confronted any sanctions.
“Guys have put stickers on their bats, names on their footwear and all types of issues previously with out ICC approval and by no means been reprimanded,” mentioned Khawaja, including he wouldn’t put on the armband once more.
“From my perspective, that consistency hasn’t been carried out but.”
Khawaja has been lively on social media, urging an finish to the violence within the Gaza Strip, the place practically 20,000 Gazans have misplaced their lives for the reason that starting of the battle with Israel, as reported by the Palestinian well being ministry.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to proceed the struggle till the eradication of Hamas, the Islamist group that dispatched fighters throughout the border into southern Israel on October 7, ensuing within the taking of roughly 240 hostages and the demise of 1,200 individuals.
Whereas Cricket Australia didn’t formally help Khawaja’s boots or armband, CEO Nick Hockley said that the group is collaborating with him and the ICC to discover a “respectful method” for the batsman to convey his message on the sphere.
“That’s the topic now of ICC consideration,” Hockley instructed a press convention alongside Khawaja.
The ICC has demonstrated selectivity in allowing gamers to show political messages throughout matches.
Throughout a Take a look at collection in opposition to England in 2020, West Indies gamers have been allowed to put on ‘Black Lives Matter’ logos on their shirts.
In distinction, England’s Moeen Ali confronted a ban from carrying wristbands with the messages ‘Save Gaza’ and ‘Free Palestine’ throughout a house Take a look at in opposition to India in 2014.
The upcoming second Take a look at between Australia and Pakistan is scheduled to happen on the Melbourne Cricket Floor on Tuesday.
