Cricket Australia has overruled the ruling of ICC. CA has now allowed Usman Khawaja to use the dove and olive branch emblem on his bat. This however can only be used by Khawaja in the Big Bash Leagues. Since ICC has rejected the batter’s appeal, Khawaja cannot sport the emblem on his bat in International matches.
Usman Khawaja had sent a letter to the ICC where he appealed to the apex cricket body of the globe in terms of humanitarian grounds. But the batter’s request was rejected by the ICC. However, Cricket Australia in their emergency meeting has approved of his request. This means Khawaja can sport the emblem during the Big Bash League when he plays for Brisbane Heats.
“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.
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),” Khawja wrote to the ICC as revealed by the Sydney Morning Herald.
Despite The Australian opener’s request, the ICC rejected the appeal. The rules for ICC are quite simple. No personal messages or brandings can be sported in International cricket. However, the ICC supports and sympathises with the players in using their platforms to promote human rights, equality and peace.
“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.
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,” the ICC said while rejecting Khawaja’s appeale.
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