AUS vs WI: 'It Can Become A Circus' - AB de Villiers On Usman Khawaja's Black Armband Case

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers believes that international cricket would become a circus if all the cricketers started to express their opinions on religious and political issues. de Villiers while speaking on his YouTube channel opined that everyone in the world has the right to express their opinion but there is a place and time to do it.

A few days back, Australian opener Usman Khawaja wore a black armband during the first Test match against Pakistan. Khawaja took the step as he didn’t get the permission from ICC and he wanted to show his protest against the Israel-Hamas war. Khawaja wrote a message on his shoes which was banned by the ICC due to which he had to wear a black armband. Later, Khawaja was reprimanded by the ICC on the same issue.

While speaking on the issue on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers stated that speaking on Usman Khawaja’s topic is a bit difficult for him. de Villiers further added that England all-rounder Moeen Ali also wore a black armband and got into trouble with ICC.

AB de Villiers shares tensions on cricketers showcasing political messages on the cricket field

AB de Villiers said, “This is something that is going on for many years. We know Moeen Ali wore wristbands and got into trouble with the ICC. Khawaja as well. It’s a very difficult topic. Difficult for me to give you an opinion, but what I can say is, ‘it can become a bit of a circus if every single individual wears his own political view or religious view on his wrist or wherever you know’. I think there’s a time and a place for that.”

Usman Khawaja showcased a decent performance during the Test series against Pakistan and has been one of the top batsmen of the Australian Test side. Usman Khawaja had also appealed against the ICC’s reprimand of Usman Khawaja for wearing a black armband during the Perth Test against Pakistan. However, the request was rejected by ICC.

As per the ICC code of conduct, a cricketer cannot wear any cricketing equipment which showcases a political, religious or racist message.

Pakistani opener Mohammad Rizwan also got into a lot of trouble when he dedicated his ODI World Cup 2023 hundred against Sri Lanka to the victims of the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Also, a lot of Pakistani cricketers shared the Palestine flag on their official ‘X’ handle and showcased their protest against Israel.

Mohammad Rizwan made a religious gesture on the ground after his century against Sri Lanka and later posted a message on his official ‘X’ handle. Apart from cricket, when sportspersons from other sports as well have showcased their protest against Israel.

Getting back to Usman Khawaja’s performance in the past year for Australia, the left-handed opener scored 1210 runs from 13 matches at an average of 52.60. He also slammed three centuries and six half-centuries. His highest score was 195*.

Usman Khawaja will now have an extra responsibility to lead the Australian batting lineup after the retirement of David Warner.