The Pakistan-born Khawaja faced criticism from the global cricket governing body on Thursday for donning the armband during Australia’s 360-run victory over Pakistan in the series opener held in Perth.
This incident followed a previous clash with ICC regulations, where Khawaja was prohibited from featuring the messages ‘Freedom is a human right’ and ‘All lives are equal’ in the colors of the Palestinian flag on his boots during the Perth Stadium match.
Khawaja informed the media that he plans to dispute the reprimand with the ICC, emphasizing his desire for consistent application of the rules across the board.
“I told them it was for a personal bereavement. I never ever stated it was for anything else. The shoes were a different matter, I’m happy to say that,” the 37-year-old said at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“But the armband (decision) made no sense to me. I respect…the ICC and the rules and regulations they have. I just asked – and will be asking them and contesting that they make it fair and equitable for everyone and they have consistency in how they officiate. That’s all I ask for.”
On Thursday, a spokesperson for the ICC stated that Khawaja had exhibited a “personal message” against Pakistan without obtaining the necessary prior approval from Cricket Australia and the ICC, as mandated.
Khawaja mentioned that previously players had showcased personal messages without securing approval from the ICC, and they had not faced any sanctions.
“Guys have put stickers on their bats, names on their shoes and all sorts of things in the past without ICC approval and never been reprimanded,” said Khawaja, adding he would not wear the armband again.
“From my point of view, that consistency hasn’t been done yet.”
Khawaja has been active on social media, urging an end to the violence in the Gaza Strip, where nearly 20,000 Gazans have lost their lives since the beginning of the conflict with Israel, as reported by the Palestinian health ministry.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to continue the fight until the eradication of Hamas, the Islamist group that dispatched fighters across the border into southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the taking of approximately 240 hostages and the death of 1,200 people.
While Cricket Australia did not officially support Khawaja’s boots or armband, CEO Nick Hockley stated that the organization is collaborating with him and the ICC to explore a “respectful way” for the batsman to convey his message on the field.
“That is the subject now of ICC consideration,” Hockley told a press conference alongside Khawaja.
The ICC has demonstrated selectivity in permitting players to display political messages during matches.
During a Test series against England in 2020, West Indies players were allowed to wear ‘Black Lives Matter’ logos on their shirts.
In contrast, England’s Moeen Ali faced a ban from wearing wristbands with the messages ‘Save Gaza’ and ‘Free Palestine’ during a home Test against India in 2014.
The upcoming second Test between Australia and Pakistan is scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
