[PICTURES] Usman Khawaja charged by the ICC for black armband protest

[Cricket Warrior]

Mandy Yachad, one of South Africa's small number of Jewish former international cricket players, backs the Aussie opener's recent move, but is questioning he feels as passionate about the Israelis killed by Hamas terrorists as he is about Palestinians killed by Israelis.

"I totally respect and support Usman Khawaja's right to express his views and particularly as the symbol he has chosen is the universal symbol of peace (for which we Jews pray many times a day in our prayers) and having regard to his statement that 'all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,"

"I trust and hope, based on Khawaja's stand for human rights and equality of lives and his statement about his daughters (namely that 'when I'm looking at my Instagram and seeing innocent kids, videos of them dying, passing away, that's what hit me the hardest…I just imagine my young daughter in my arms …'), that he felt the same way, in his personal bereavement, about the tens of innocent children (and hundreds of others) who were slaughtered, burnt, mutilated and taken hostage in the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023.

'Or is it only now, when as a consequence of the conflict which arose as a result of that barbaric attack that, unfortunately, Palestinian children are being killed, that he is expressing such views?"

 

[MenInG]

Source Herald Sun

 

[MenInG]

Revealed: The full text of Khawaja submission that sparked emergency CA meeting

Usman Khawaja’s submission to the International Cricket Council to wear a dove and olive branch on his bat during the Tests against Pakistan and West Indies invoked the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and was approved by an emergency meeting of the Cricket Australia board.

On Monday, Khawaja used a bat emblazoned with the dove in training at the SCG, but he is not permitted to do so during the Test match that starts on Wednesday after an ICC ruling. However, he will have CA’s approval to wear the logo during any Big Bash League matches he may play for the Brisbane Heat this season.

The submission, a copy of which has been obtained by this masthead, outlined Khawaja’s case. It did not mention Palestine or Gaza, with only a reference to “the Middle East” providing any specific context.

It was backed by CA after an unscheduled meeting of the governing body’s board, led by chairman and former New South Wales premier Mike Baird, after Khawaja had workshopped his submission with the CA chief executive Nick Hockley and his opposite number at the Australian Cricketers Association, Todd Greenberg.

However the request was subsequently rejected by the ICC and its cricket operations department. The senior manager of cricket operations is Clive Hitchcock and the general manager of cricket is Wasim Khan. The chief executive of the ICC is Geoff Allardice.

“I feel strongly about the right of every human being to enjoy peace, freedom and equality in dignity and rights regardless of their gender, age, colour, race, language, religion or national or social origin,” Khawaja wrote in the submission, which also featured an indicative diagram of the logo and its possible placement on the back of his bat.

“Some human rights are inalienable and transcend all our differences. These rights are enshrined in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) that has been ratified by all member states of the United Nations.

“At a time when there is such a loss of life and liberty in the world – most recently in the Middle East – I would like to promote a personal message of peace, freedom and equality by displaying an internationally recognised symbol of peace and freedom – a dove with a sprig – on the back of my bat together with the phrase “01: UDHR” (Logo).”

Khawaja went on to write that he was following precedent for other approved or permitted personal messages on the clothing and equipment of other players. Marnus Labuschagne had a Bible verse reference attached to his bat, without an approval process. Nicholas Pooran (with a cross on his bat) and Keshav Maharaj (wearing a Hindu symbol) are examples of other players carrying personal messages out on to the field without sanction.

“At a time like this, I think it is incumbent on everyone to do what they can to promote these fundamental rights,” Khawaja wrote. “I believe that displaying the above Logo on my bat is a small but meaningful way to do this.

“In my application, I have been guided by the need to be proportional and mindful of other approved and/or permitted messages by teams and/or individuals.”

After discussing the matter at some length with Hockley and Greenberg in particular, Khawaja was hopeful of being able to wear the dove during the Boxing Day Test, but was informed the ICC had declined his request on the morning of Australia’s main training session on Christmas Eve. He subsequently wore the names of his two daughters on his shoes during the Test.

“The ICC, after giving due consideration to Usman Khawaja’s request for a personal message logo on his bat for the remainder of the Test series against Pakistan, did not approve the application,” an ICC spokesperson said.

“Personal messages of this nature are not allowed as per Clause F of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations, which can be found on the ICC Playing Conditions page.

“The ICC is supportive of players using their platforms outside of the playing arena to promote human rights, peace and equality and would encourage him to continue to use alternative platforms.”

Speaking at the MCG on Boxing Day, Hockley said that CA would continue to support Khawaja and his right to express his beliefs.

“We worked with Uzzy to try and find something which was nonpartisan, non-religious, apolitical, the universally recognised symbol of peace. But I think the ICC statement calls out the broader context,” Hockley said.

“We didn’t speak yesterday. We spoke the day before and I think over the last week or so we’ve been working really constructively with Uzzy to find a way that was nonpartisan, I think that symbol is universally recognised as a symbol of peace. That being said, the ICC have got their rules. I think they explained the rationale really clearly, and we respect that.”

Cricket Australia declined to comment on the board meeting.

Revealed: The full text of Khawaja submission that sparked emergency CA meeting

Usman Khawaja’s submission to the International Cricket Council to wear a dove and olive branch on his bat during the Tests against Pakistan and West Indies invoked the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and was approved by the Cricket Australia board.

www.theage.com.au

 

[FearlessRoar]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised Usman Khawaja's courage in fighting to show solidarity with victims of warfare during Australia's Test series with Pakistan.

Since the days before last month's series opener, Khawaja has been lobbying to voice his support for those affected by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, first by writing "all lives are equal" and "freedom is a human right" on his shoes.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) barred Khawaja from displaying the phrases during the Perth Test on the grounds that international players are prohibited from wearing personal messages on their uniforms.

The veteran opening batter eventually taped over the messages, but the ICC charged him for breaching clothing and equipment regulations with the black armband he wore instead.

Khawaja did not wear the armband in the second Test at the MCG from Boxing Day and had hoped to display a dove holding an olive branch on his bat, but this too was banned by the ICC.

Khawaja, who has received widespread support from current and former Test players, wrote the names of his daughters on his shoes in the MCG Test in place of the original messages.

Mr Albanese made mention of Khawaja on Monday as he addressed the Australian and Pakistani teams at Kirribilli House during his annual New Year's Day reception before the SCG Test.

"I'd like to congratulate (Khawaja) for the courage he has shown standing up for human values," Mr Albanese said.

"He has shown courage, and the fact that the team has backed him in is a great thing."

This week's Test match will be Khawaja's last batting with opening partner David Warner, who is hanging up his baggy green at the conclusion of the match, which begins on Wednesday.

"When Ussie and Dave go out, it will be a very special moment, when you walk on to the SCG," Mr Albanese said.

The pair of childhood friends have formed a formidable duo at the top of the order since Khawaja's recall to the Test team during the home Ashes series two summers ago

Warner became emotional speaking about Khawaja in his pre-match press conference on Monday.

"Just to see him come back the way he has the last two years has been absolutely amazing," Warner said.

"I know his family are really, really proud of him. I'm really, really proud of him as a mate.

"When you're childhood friends dreaming big and you get to go out here at the SCG, it's fitting."

PM praises Usman Khawaja's courage amid ICC saga

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised Usman Khawaja's courage in fighting to show solidarity with victims of warfare...

www.canberratimes.com.au

 

[MenInG]

Usman Khawaja has displayed the dove and olive branch symbol, which the ICC banned, on his shoes and bat during the BBL match against Perth Scorchers in Brisbane

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Usman Khawaja has displayed the dove and olive branch symbol, which the ICC banned, on his shoes and bat during the BBL match against Perth Scorchers in Brisbane

Usman Khawaja has another cryptic message for us

https://x.com/i/web/status/1747166254706950543

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Pathetic by Khawaja.why he wrote his daughter name on shoes ? Attention seeking

What are your views on the Indian team wearing the army caps?

 

[Mamoon]

Milking it like a spring goat.

ICC needs to stop his nonsense - either ban him or heavily fine him.

 

[Mamoon]

He pays taxes to the Australian government that has funded the WoT that has killed millions of Muslims.

Just another hypocrite. Nothing more.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

He pays taxes to the Australian government that has funded the WoT that has killed millions of Muslims.

Just another hypocrite. Nothing more.

By WoT you mean the Iraq War? The current Australian government was funding that war?

 

[PakEngFan]

Usman Khawaja has another cryptic message for us

https://x.com/i/web/status/1747166254706950543

Great stuff from Usman Khawaja.

 

[ghalib kichlu]

He pays taxes to the Australian government that has funded the WoT that has killed millions of Muslims.

Just another hypocrite. Nothing more.

The jizya he pays the Australian government has nothing to do with palestine
A little good is better than no good

 

[Goooby]

He pays taxes to the Australian government that has funded the WoT that has killed millions of Muslims.

Just another hypocrite. Nothing more.

Paying taxes in a democracy doesn't make you complicit. It gives him the right to exercise his freedom of speech and speak up against issues that his government is responsible. If its government policy to make doctors work extra long hours, should they stay silent because they pay taxes? Or should they make a stand to ensure proper treatment and put pressure on the government in whichever way they can to ensure the safety of human lives?

 

[Asad T]

Usman Khawaja has another cryptic message for us

https://x.com/i/web/status/1747166254706950543

Nice, I'm going to order a T

 

[BouncerGuy]

New Zealand vs Australia: Usman Khawaja Removes Sticker From Bat, Last-Minute Act Reignites ICC Debate

Australia opening batter Usman Khawaja was forced to remove a dove logo from his bat on Day 3 of the ongoing 1st Test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The incident happened in the 19th over of Australia's second innings when Khawaja had signalled for a new bat, having cracked one in the middle. The 12th man, Matthew Renshaw, rushed over from the dugout with a few options. After testing out the bats, Khawaja decided to pick one. However, he had to remove the banned dove logo from it.

Usman Khawaja was forced to remove a dove sticker from his bat on day three of the Wellington Test.

This comes after the ICC rejected Khawaja's request to display the dove and olive branch logo on his bat during the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan last year. The 37-year-old wanted to sport the sticker to raise awareness for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The veteran batter had also planned to sport a special message on his shoes in the first Test in Perth, but was warned from doing so by the ICC.

However, Khawaja did sport a black armband during the game, but the ICC charged him for breaching equipment regulations. The Pakistan-born batter later clarified that it was due to a "personal bereavement".

Khawaja did find support from Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley and captain Pat Cummins, who said that the opener's attempt to bring to the fore the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was "not offensive".

Cummins had suggested that he finds no difference between Khawaja displaying a dove logo on his shoe and bat to raise awareness of humanitarian issues and teammate Marnus Labuschagne displaying an eagle on his bat which signifies a personal religious message.

"We really support Uzzy. He's standing up for what he believes and I think he's done it really respectfully," Cummins had said ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

Meanwhile, Khawaja was dismissed for 28 by Glenn Phillips in the morning session on Day 3.

Australia were dismissed for 164 in their second innings, leaving New Zealand to chase a victory target of 369.

Part-time spinner Phillips took career-best figures of 5-45 while nightwatchman Nathan Lyon was Australia's top-scorer with 41.
​

NDTV

 

[WengerOut]

Khawaja is after some easy brownie points. He knows he will get the support from people who flashes the "muslim" victim card at the drop of a hat.

 

[MenInG]

Khawaja is after some easy brownie points. He knows he will get the support from people who flashes the "muslim" victim card at the drop of a hat.

Or maybe he believes in something useful?

 

[Mamoon]

Khawaja is distracted by all the attention seeking tactics and brownie points that he is after. No wonder he is not scoring runs.

Usman Khawaja pays taxes to the Australian government and the Australian government exports arms and has booming trade with Israel, which is paid for with the tax money of Australian citizens.

If Usman Khawaja really cares and is not a fake humanitarian, the first thing he should do is get out of Australia and not have any blood on his hands knowing that his tax money is being used to fund Israel military.

Putting stickers on his bat and shoes does nothing for Palestine.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Or maybe he believes in something useful?

Clearly Muslims don't believe in the Palestinian cause enough. Pakistanis were happily drinking Pepsi in the PSL on camera . If they can't even boycott Western companies that support Israel and stop paying taxes to governments that support Israel , then it's time to question the legitimacy of this "support"

 

[MenInG]

Clearly Muslims don't believe in the Palestinian cause enough. Pakistanis were happily drinking Pepsi in the PSL on camera . If they can't even boycott Western companies that support Israel and stop paying taxes to governments that support Israel , then it's time to question the legitimacy of this "support"

This is not the forum for that.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Usman Khawaja among mass Aussie interest for The Hundred in the UK​

The massive break between Test matches in 2024 has moved Australian opener Usman Khawaja to test the T20 waters and nominate for The Hundred in England.

After the second Test in New Zealand, which begins on Friday, Australia doesn’t play another five-day game until it confronts India on home soil next summer.

Khawaja, a Test specialist, said last week he wanted to play some cricket during that break and has put his name up for The Hundred auction along with former opening partner David Warner.

The tournament in England, which will follow the T20 World Cup, has also drawn interest from Test keeper Alex Carey among 24 Australians, including boom young batter Jake Fraser-McGurk.

Before the first Test against the Kiwis, 37-year-old Khawaja said he would look to get some cricket in during the break because there was “no finishing line” in sight and he wanted to be ready for the Indian series.

“Honestly, someone says, ‘Can you see yourself playing next summer’? I’m probably like, ‘Yeah’, but I’m not gonna let my mind drift off there,” he said.

“And I think that’s what helps me a little bit with cricket and making sure I don’t look too far ahead ‘cause it didn’t pass when I have looked too far ahead, that’s when I got myself in trouble.”

Warner, who has retired from Test and ODI cricket but is set to play this year’s T20 World Cup, has twice previously registered for English cricket’s 100-ball-a-side event but pulled out in 2021 and was then overlooked for the second edition.

Josh Inglis has nominated himself on the highest pay band, while Steve Smith’s name is absent from the list of hopefuls, with the batting star more likely to play in the second edition of Major League Cricket in the US.

In the Hundred, the top players earn £125,000, while the highest women’s players earn £50,000.

That’s also where the likes of Glenn Maxwell and Mitch Marsh are set to play after the World Cup, with the two tournaments overlapping.

A raft of Test stars, including Marnus Labuschagne and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, are also among 23 Australians taking up deals to play county cricket in England during the hefty break, but Khawaja is not among them.

Usman Khawaja among mass Aussie interest for The Hundred in the UK

Khawaja’s shock move as Aussie Test stars eye big UK payday

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[MenInG]

Yes - consistency by the ICC.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Usman bhai get ready for another charge from the ICC for this major offense

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[FearlessRoar]

Usman Khawaja, while talking to a podcast, was asked if he would consider coaching the Pakistan cricket team:

"I find the Pakistan cricket team - I say this - it always seems to be forever changing: the coaches are forever changing; the selectors are forever changing. There is no stability in Pakistan cricket. The stability needs to be found from the top. It feels like Pakistan's players are always changing - what's coming in? Now, if there was a bit more stability in the future, that's what you've got to contemplate. I feel that if I do it, I'll be there one minute, and then I'll be out the next minute."