Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja charged by ICC for silent Palestine protest during Test match

Australian batsman Usman Khawaja has been charged by the International Cricket Council after he wore a black armband in support of people in Gaza during the first Test against Pakistan.

The opener initially planned to wear a pair of cricket shoes branding a message of support for Palestine however opted to cover it with tape following fears of a sanction from the international body.

He stayed firm with the armband to show his support, although it was not approved by the ICC.

Black armbands are generally worn by players in cricket matches as a sign of respect following personal or cricket-related deaths but only after they have been approved by their cricket association and the ICC.

Usman Khawaja has been charged by the ICC for wearing a black armband in support of people in Gaza during the first Test match against Pakistan. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

The ICC’s regulations prohibits players from conveying “messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes” during international matches.

“By way of example only, and without limitation, where the purpose of a message appears to be commemorative in nature (e.g. the use of a black armband or a poppy) or to serve a charitable purpose (e.g. to generate funds or awareness for a non-political charitable cause), it is more likely to be permitted; where a message appears to indicate support for a particular government, political party or individual, it is more likely to be prohibited,” the ICC regulations state.

Prior to the Perth Test, Khawaja argued on X that his message was one of humanitarian appeal and “if you see it any other way. That’s on you”.

The ICC confirmed on Thursday that Khawaja’s donning of the armband was a breach of its Clothing and Equipment Rules.

“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,” the governing body said.

“This is a breach under the category of an ‘other breach’ and the sanction for a first offence is a reprimand.”

Khawaja is still allowed to play in Australia’s Boxing Day Test against Pakistan in Melbourne however he will face harsher punishment if he defies the ICC’s regulations again.

The 37-year-old has seven days to lodge a response to the charge.

The opener has enjoyed a fruitful start to the summer as one of the freshest players in the Australian squad after not taking part in the 2023 World Cup campaign in India.

Khawaja posted scores of 41 and 90 in the first Test as Australia secured a comprehensive victory to lead the three-match series 1-0.

Australia hosts Pakistan in two more Tests – in Melbourne and Sydney – before playing the West Indies in a two-match series at Adelaide and Brisbane.

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