BBL 2023-24: Usman Khawaja Allowed To Wear Pro-Peace Sticker As CA Overrules ICC

In a recent development, Australian opening batter Usman Khawaja who was denied an appeal to put on Dove and Olive Tree Branch on his shoes and bat by the ICC, has been granted approval by Cricket Australia for putting on the human rights sign on his bat when he takes part in the Big Bash League after the conclusion of the 3-match Test series against Pakistan.

Usman Khawaja had sent an application to the International Cricket Council for donning a human rights and peace sign on his bat and shoes for the Test series against Pakistan and West Indies. However, the ICC denied his application, stating that it goes against the rules set by the ICC on Clothing and Equipment.

After his application was rejected, Usman Khawaja took to Instagram to showcase his disapproval of ICC’s decision to show any religious or racial signs on the cricket field. Khawaja uploaded a video where the likes of Nicholas Pooran and Keshav Maharaj were playing with signs of their religion on the back of their bats.

It sparked a lot of controversy on social media and ICC became subject to major criticism but none of that convinced the Apex Cricketing Body to change their minds. The Australian cricketing fraternity including captain Pat Cummins, supported Khawaja’s decision to reflect the sign of peace through his bat and shoes.

“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.” – Khawaja said.

In fact, Usman Khawaja also had the support of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for his courage to stand up for what he believes in. “He has shown courage and the fact the team has backed him in is a great thing,” Albanese said.

Usman Khawaja Set To Put On Dove And Olive Branch On Bat In BBL 2023/24

With only the last Test set to be played against Pakistan from January 3rd, Usman Khawaja will be taking part in the Big Bash League 2023/24 for his team Brisbane Heat. As per The Courier Mail, in an undisclosed meeting within Cricket Australia, Khawaja was granted permission to put on Dove and Olive Tree branch on his bat and shoes.

In that meeting, Usman Khawaja claimed that his signs are not anywhere associated with the Israel-Gaza war but are a reference to the Middle East. Khawaja’s proposal, collaboratively developed with Nick Hockley, received approval following an impromptu gathering involving the Cricket Australia board, chaired by former New South Wales premier Mike Baird, Australian Cricketers Association chief Todd Greenberg, and Nick Hockley.

Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja has not been able to score many runs in the first 2 Tests against visitors Pakistan. He has had scores of 41, 90, 42, and 0 across 4 innings in 2 Tests at Perth and Melbourne.