Why has cricketer Khawaja been barred from showing solidarity with Gaza?

The Australian cricketer, Usman Khawaja, believes that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is being unfair by not allowing him to put a picture of a dove representing peace on his bat to show support for Gaza.

The issue between Khawaja and the ICC arose when Khawaja wanted to display an image of a dove representing peace on his bat, along with the message “01: UDHR” in support of Palestine. The ICC, however, refused to allow him to do so, citing their Code of Conduct which prohibits players from displaying messages related to political, religious, or racial causes without prior approval.

Khawaja and his supporters argue that this rule has not been consistently enforced in the past, pointing out instances where other players were allowed to display similar messages. Khawaja has also faced restrictions in the past when he wanted to wear a black armband and display messages on his shoes in support of Gaza. He intends to contest the ICC’s reprimand for wearing the armband and believes that his message is not political.

Khawaja, aged 37, expressed his disagreement with the decision regarding the armband, stating that it was meant as a personal symbol of mourning and not related to any other cause. However, he did not provide specific details about the personal bereavement. In response, Australian captain Pat Cummins supported Khawaja’s stance, highlighting that there is no distinction between Khawaja displaying the dove symbol and his teammate Marnus Labuschagne displaying an eagle as a religious symbol on his bat.

The Australian team showed understanding towards Khawaja’s desire to demonstrate his support. The dove of peace holds significance as a symbol of peace in various cultures, including Palestinian culture. It is often depicted in graffiti art on the separation wall in the occupied West Bank, with British artist Banksy’s armored dove being particularly renowned. This representation features a white dove wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying an olive branch in its beak, and can be found in multiple locations in Palestine.

Cricket Australia released a statement acknowledging Khawaja’s right to express his opinion but emphasized the importance of adhering to the ICC regulations that prohibit displays on playing equipment. Australia’s sports minister, Anika Wells, expressed her full support for Khawaja, recognizing him as a highly talented athlete and a valuable member of the Australian community. She asserted that Khawaja should have the freedom to voice his views on matters important to him, as long as it is done in a peaceful and respectful manner. Wells also clarified that Khawaja’s individual expression of opinion does not compromise the obligations of the Australian cricket team to the ICC.