Usman Khawaja hit with another blow as ICC bans Australia star’s latest Gaza war protest ahead of Boxing Day Test against Pakistan
- Usman Khawaja has been dealt another blow
- He wanted to wear a pigeon logo during the Boxing Day Test
- The ICC rejected his request
Usman Khawaja has seen his latest attempt to show support for Gaza blocked by the ICC ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.
Khawaja, 37, faced a charge from cricket's governing body after wearing a black armband during the first Test in Perth, while he was also prevented from wearing shoes with the messages 'Freedom is a human right' and 'All lives are directly'.
The veteran opener wanted to wear the boots during the match but was unable to do so due to ICC rules that ban messages related to political, religious or racial activities or causes.
Instead, he wore the armband but was reprimanded for not seeking permission from the ICC to wear it.
Khawaja argued that he wore the bracelet because of a “personal bereavement” and plans to contest the charges.
Usman Khawaja has suffered another blow in his bid to show support for Gaza
The ICC has rejected his attempt to wear a pigeon logo during the Boxing Day Test
And on Christmas Eve, eagle-eyed fans spotted Khawaja wearing boots with a dove symbol on them, while there was also a similar sticker on his bat.
A dove is a symbol of peace, and according to reports, Cricket Australia allowed Khawaja to wear the logo, but the ICC rejected his application.
It remains unclear whether Khawaja will contest this ruling. Speaking after his indictment at the ICC on Friday, he said he was confused by the measure.
“They (ICC) asked me on day two what that (black armband) was for and told them it was for a personal death,” Khawaja said.
'I never said it was for anything else.
'The shoes were a different story, I'm happy to say.
“The bracelet has no meaning to me.”