'Armband was for a personal bereavement' - Usman Khawaja clarifies wearing armband during Perth Test

In a recent turn of events, Usman Khawaja clarified the reason behind wearing a black armband during the first Test against Pakistan. Initially assumed to be linked to a political stance, Khawaja revealed that it was actually a mark of personal bereavement. The ICC, however, had issued a reprimand for this action, believing it to be in violation of their regulations.

This situation stemmed from Khawaja's intent to display messages, 'Freedom is a human right' and 'All lives are equal,' on his shoes in solidarity with Palestine. Unfortunately, ICC rules barred him from showcasing these messages during the Perth match. He had affirmed that he had explained the real motive behind the armband to the ICC. The Australia opener faced the ICC's reprimand following his wearing of the armband during Australia's remarkable 360-run victory over Pakistan in Perth.

"I'm not wearing the armband again. As I said to the ICC, the armband was for a personal bereavement. My shoes were very obvious and I didn't wear the shoes, I taped them up and left it at that," said Khawaja as quoted by Cricbuzz.

"I'm going to be totally honest. The conversations I've had with Nick and Cricket Australia have been great, very supportive. Dealing with the ICC, I don't think being reprimanded for wearing a black armband, they asked me on day two what it was for, and told them it was for a personal bereavement. I never ever stated it was for anything else,” he added.

Khawaja highlights ICC previously approving personal messages from players

The Pakistan born cricketer who was vocal on social media, had urged an end to the Gaza Strip conflict, referencing nearly 20,000 casualties in the ongoing struggle between Gaza and Israel. The 37-year-old highlighted past instances where players displayed personal messages sans ICC approval, questioning the selective nature of the governing body's actions. The ICC's handling of political messages during matches has drawn attention. 

While the West Indies team was permitted 'Black Lives Matter' logos on their shirts in a series against England in 2020, England's Moeen Ali faced a ban for wristbands bearing 'Save Gaza' and 'Free Palestine' during a home Test against India in 2014. This discrepancy in ICC approvals regarding political expressions on-field remains a contentious issue, prompting discussions about the balance between personal advocacy and adherence to cricket's regulations.