Usman Khawaja charged by ICC for Gaza message during Australia vs Pakistan Test

21 December 2023 , 13:50

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Usman Khawaja wore a black arm band during Australia's Test against Pakistan (Image: Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Australia star Usman Khawaja has been charged by the ICC after wearing a black armband during the first Test against Pakistan.

Khawaja has been keen to use his position to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza since Israel invaded to fight Hamas. Palestinian officials claim that 20,000 people have died in the conflict, which started when Hamas launched an assault on Israel on October 7.

Before the opening Test against Pakistan in Perth on December 14, Khawaja released a video on social media in which he spoke passionately about his beliefs. He had worn in Australia training which stated "all lives are equal" and "freedom is a human right", before opting for a black armband during the match.

Khawaja has been backed by his captain Pat Cummins, but had not been given permission by the ICC to wear the black armband and has therefore fallen foul of the rules. "Usman Khawaja has been charged for breaching Clause F of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations," an ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo.

"Usman displayed a personal message 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. This is a breach under the category of an 'other breach' and the sanction for a first offence is a reprimand."

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Khawaja is still expected to play for Australia in the Boxing Day Test match, with four reprimands needed in a 12-month period to equate to a 75 per cent match fee fine. However, the ICC could be forced into further action were Khawaja continue to wear the black armband during the series.

The ICC's clothing and equipment regulations state: "Players and team officials shall not be permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey personal messages on their clothing, equipment or otherwise, irrespective of whether such messages are affixed to clothing, equipment or otherwise and whether such messages are displayed or conveyed through the use of the specific clothing or other items (eg. an arm band) or by the use of words, symbol, graphic message, images or otherwise ('personal messages'), unless approved in advance by both the player or team official's board and the ICC Cricket Operations Department. Approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes."

Usman Khawaja wore these shoes in practice ahead of the first Test (Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Speaking on social media earlier in the month, Khawaja said: "What I've written on my shoes is not political. I'm not taking sides. Human life to me is equal. One Jewish life is equal to one Muslim life is equal to one Hindu life and so on. I'm just speaking up for those who don't have a voice.

"The ICC have told me I can't wear my shoes on the field because they feel it's a political statement under their guidelines. I don't believe it's so. It's a humanitarian appeal. I will respect their view and decision. But I will fight it and seek to gain approval."

Cricket Australia had already warned Khawaja that he risked sanctions, saying: "We support the right of our players to express personal opinions. But the ICC has rules in place which prohibit the display of personal messages which we expect the players to uphold."

Felix Keith