Usman Khawaja’s appeal to the ICC over the black armband he wore during the Perth Test against Pakistan has reportedly failed.
As per Fox Cricket, the decision means Khawaja’s sanction of a reprimand will stand.
The Australian opener wore a black armband during his innings for a personal bereavement, mourning the children who have been killed during Israel’s attacks in Gaza.
“Usman Khawaja has been charged for breaching Clause F of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations, which can be found on the ICC Playing Conditions page. The sanctions for a breach of the regulations are outlined in Appendix 2,” an ICC spokesperson had said.
“Usman displayed a personal message (armband) during the 1st 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.”
Khawaja was initially looking to wear shoes with the slogans “All lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” on them, but this was rejected before it could occur.
He complained about “double standards” from the ICC over the decision.
“They asked me on day two what it was for and (I) told them it was for a personal bereavement,” Khawaja said in December.
“I never ever stated it was for anything else. The shoes were a different matter, I’m happy to say that. The armband makes no sense to me.
“I followed all the regulations, past precedents, guys that put stickers on their bats, names on their shoes, done all sorts of things in the past without ICC approval and never been reprimanded. I respect the ICC and the rules and regulations they have.
“I will be asking them and contesting they make it fair and equitable for everyone and they have consistency in how they officiate. That consistency hasn’t been done yet.”
Khawaja has been permitted by Cricket Australia to wear an image of a dove with an olive branch if he plays in the BBL this season.