Cricket Australia boss reveals the real reason why the ICC keeps banning Usman Khawaja from making humanitarian statements this summer

Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley has offered a suggestion as to why Usman Khawaja continues to be banned from making pro-humanitarian statements this summer.

Khawaja, 37, complained of double standards on Monday after the ICC rejected his plan to wear a dove symbol on his shoes during the second Test – the bird is the universal symbol of peace – along with the first article of the Universal Declaration of Peace Human rights. against Pakistan.

That was the latest of several attempts to send a message, with the Pakistani-born opener struggling to come to terms with the devastating war in Gaza.

Cricket Australia has worked with Khawaja to find a harmless solution after he was first banned from wearing shoes with humanitarian messages in the Palestinian colors of red, green and black in Perth.

Khawaja hit his boots with the names of his daughters Aisha and Ayla on Tuesday but expressed frustration at the ICC's position, pointing out that teammate Marnus Labuschagne was allowed to use a bat with a sticker of a Bible verse.

The opener wore shoes with the names of his two daughters on Boxing Day, with the ICC blocking him from running humanitarian errands

And now Hockley has suggested that the ICC took into account the 'broader context' of the batsman's position when making its decision.

“My understanding is the context of the leadership in the Perth Test, and the context of the leadership in creating the application (contributed),” he said.

“Again, we are working with Uzzie to find something that is impartial, non-religious, apolitical, the universally recognized symbol of peace. But I think the ICC statement raises the broader context,” Hockley said before the match on Tuesday.

'We didn't speak to each other yesterday. We spoke the day before and I think we worked very constructively with Uzzie over the last week to find a way that (was) impartial. I think that symbol is universally recognized as a symbol of peace.

“That said, the ICC has its own rules. I think they explained the rationale very clearly and we respect that.

“We have been very clear about that support as all our players really want to share what they believe through their own channels. I don't think the ICC has drawn up very clear rules for nothing.

Nick Hockley has suggested that the ICC looked at the 'broader context' of Khawaja's views

'I think I said it on Friday when we were here at the MCG. What has really been shed light on is the need for consistency in following the process and consistency in applications.”

The ICC said: 'The ICC, having given due consideration to Usman Khawaja's request for a logo with a personal message on his bat for the remainder of the Test series against Pakistan, has not approved the application. These types of personal messages are not permitted according to Article F of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations, which can be found on the ICC Playing Conditions page.

“The ICC supports players who use their platforms outside the playing arena to promote human rights, peace and equality and encourages them to continue using alternative platforms.”