Australia opener Usman Khawaja says the black armband he wore throughout the first Take a look at in opposition to Pakistan was for a “private bereavement” and never in assist of civilians in Gaza.
Khawaja says he’ll contest the cost however won’t put on the armband throughout the second Take a look at from 26 December.
“I adopted all of the rules and previous precedents,” Khawaja stated.
“The ICC requested me what it was for, I advised them it was for a private bereavement – I by no means ever said it was for the rest,” he added.
“Guys have put stickers on their bats, names on their footwear, finished all types of issues up to now with out ICC approval and by no means been reprimanded.
“I will probably be asking them and contesting they make it truthful and equitable for everybody they usually have consistency in how they officiate. That consistency hasn’t been finished but.”
Within the days main as much as the primary Take a look at, Khawaja – who has posted on social media in regards to the battle in Gaza – was pictured sporting footwear with the phrases “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human proper” in coaching.
He meant to put on them on the sphere however opted to not after the ICC advised him they have been in opposition to its rules.
The ICC deemed him in breach of its clothes and gear rules for sporting the armband.
The ICC stated: “Usman displayed a private message (armband) throughout the first Take a look at match in opposition to Pakistan with out looking for the prior approval of Cricket Australia and the ICC to show it, as required within the rules for private messages.”
Below ICC rules, gamers can not show messages of political, non secular or racial causes throughout worldwide matches.
“The footwear have been for a distinct matter, I am blissful to say that,” stated Khawaja. “However the armband [reprimand] made no sense to me.”
Israel launched a serious navy marketing campaign in Gaza in response to a cross-border assault by lots of of Hamas gunmen on 7 October, by which not less than 1,400 folks have been killed and about 240 others taken hostage.
Gaza’s Hamas-run well being ministry says greater than 20,000 folks have been killed within the territory since Israel launched its retaliatory marketing campaign.
Khawaja, who’s Muslim, has stated his message is a “humanitarian enchantment” and never a political assertion.
Cricket Australia chief govt Nick Hockley stated the organisation is working with Khawaja to seek out another option to specific his assist for humanitarian points.
Australia lead the three-match collection 1-0 with the second Take a look at on the Melbourne Cricket Floor beginning on 26 December.