See the photos Usman Khawaja uses to prove cricket bosses are hypocrites in fiery response to ban on sending his message on Palestine
Usman Khawaja has accused the International Cricket Council of double standards in a fiery social media post after he was banned from posting about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during the Boxing Day Test.
The star player had hoped to use images of a dove holding an olive branch, as well as a reference to article one of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, on one of his boots and bat during the clash with Pakistan at the MCG.
The plan was part of Khawaja’s renewed effort to raise awareness of what he sees as a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The left-handed machine received support from Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers Association, but his application was rejected by the ICC on Sunday.
Khawaja has received the support of his skipper Pat Cummins (pictured together on Christmas Day) for his plan to display a dove with an olive branch on his kit during the Boxing Day Test
The Australian star took to Instagram to post images of other cricketers who were allowed to display messages on their bats, such as South African star Keshav Maharaj, who had the Hindu ‘Om’ symbol on his kit during the World Cup (pictured)
West Indian player Nicholas Pooran had a crucifix on his bat with the word ‘Believe’
On Christmas Day, Khawaja took to Instagram to hit back at what he sees as hypocritical treatment by cricket’s top management.
He uploaded a reel with Kanye West’s song “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” and the caption “Merry Christmas Everyone.” Sometimes you just have to laugh. Cya on Boxing Day! #inconsistent #double standards’.
The reel featured an image of a black dove holding an olive branch above the words: ‘Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Free and equal. All people are born free and equal and should be treated equally.”
His camera roll then switches to a series of images of cricketers who have displayed messages on their equipment during matches without being sanctioned.
Trinidadian cricketer Nicholas Pooran is depicted with a crucifix on his bat and the word ‘Believe’.
South African star Keshav Maharaj is seen with the Hindu ‘Om’ symbol on his bat during the recent Cricket World Cup.
Khawaja used the hashtags ‘#inconsistent #double standards’ on his challenging social media post
Khawaja also pointed out that his teammate Marnus Labuschagne was allowed to display an eagle on his bat in a reference to a Bible verse (pictured)
Cummins said Khawaja’s planned pigeon symbol is ‘not really’ different from the image Labuschagne has previously used
Marnus Labuschagne is pictured with an eagle on his bat, representing a Bible verse – prompting skipper Pat Cummins to say Khawaja’s rejected pigeon symbol is ‘not really’ different from the bird his teammate was allowed to display.
‘We really support Uzzy. He stands up for what he believes in and I think he has done that very respectfully,” Cummins said.
‘[His initial message was] “all lives are equal” and I don’t think that’s very offensive, and I would say the same about the pigeon.
‘That’s Uzzy. I think he can really hold his head high with the way he goes about it.
“But obviously there are rules and I believe the ICC has said they won’t approve that. They determine the rules and you have to accept them.’
Khawaja was previously charged by the ICC with breaching the dress and equipment regulations after wearing a black armband without permission during the first Test in Perth.
He wore the bracelet – which he has since said marked a “personal death” – after being told that wearing shoes emblazoned with the words “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” would violate the ICC Rules.
Wearing plain black boots, Khawaja was greeted warmly by members of the Pakistan team as players from both sides underwent light training indoors at the MCG on Monday.
Cummins’ support for Khawaja comes as Australia prepares to roll out an unchanged line-up for the match on Boxing Day, eyeing an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Victorian hero Scott Boland has shone at the MCG in each of the past two summers but has failed to find his way back into the team for his home Test this time.
The 37-year-old was charged by the ICC after wearing a black armband during the first Test against Pakistan, but said he did so to mark a personal loss and not to make a political statement.
The Australians are heavy favorites after a dominant 360-run win in Perth, and wet weather could prove the biggest obstacle to continuing their winning streak in Melbourne.
“It looks like there will be a bit of rain on the first day, but the Test matches here seem to have moved a little faster than other places in recent years,” Cummins said.
‘So I think there will be enough time to finish the match. I don’t think it (the weather) will change anything.
‘[The wicket] looks pretty good. Reasonable patch of grass, probably a bit harder and not as green as last year, knowing it will be a bit under the blanket today and tomorrow.
Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema (second from left) presented Cummins with gifts for the Australian players and their families on Christmas Day
“We’ll see how it plays, but it looks like a really good wicket.”
Pakistan are set to make at least two changes, with bowler Khurram Shahzad (ribs) injured and wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed axed after the tourists’ demolition in Perth.
The gloveman has been replaced by Mohammad Rizwan, who made a half-century in the drawn tour match against a Victorian XI last week.
Pakistan will confirm the final composition of their team at the toss and have not given up hope of challenging their world champion host nation.
“This is a huge opportunity for all of us,” said Pakistan captain Shan Masood.
“Every setback gives you the greatest opportunity to do well and get things right.
“It’s a testament to this team that they are looking to do well, to bounce back and put in a good performance. That’s all we care about.’