ICC denies Usman Khawaja's new 'human rights' attempt to don dove logo on his bat and shoes

Prolific Australia opener Usman Khawaja continues his 'human rights' gesture fight with a new attempt to pay homage to lives lost in Gaza. This time the batter tried to sport a black dove holding an olive branch on his shoes for the upcoming Boxing Day Test. However, the move has hit a roadblock as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has denied his fresh application to don the humanitarian logo.

During Australia's practice session at the MCG, he boldly displayed the black dove emblem on his right shoe and bat. Notably, it was embellished with a powerful excerpt from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration majorly draws attention to how every human is born free and has equal human rights.

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood,” reads the message inscribed in Khawaja's sporting gear.

The inscription emphasized the essence of equality and brotherhood among all individuals. Despite the ICC's refusal, the southpaw's poignant stance resonates deeply with the sentiment of unity and compassion. His unwavering commitment to advocating for humanitarian causes remained evident, even if the symbolic gesture might not be endorsed within the cricketing realm. Besides, the Australia opener's dove logo and human rights reference mirror Marnus Labuschagne's eagle and Bible verse on his bat, both sharing comparable size and shape in personal symbolism.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint,” the Isaiah 40:31 verse states as put up by Labuschagne on his bat.

I will be asking ICC to make it fair and equitable for everyone: Khawaja

Before the MCG Test, the 37-year-old sought approval from Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers Association for his logo, receiving no objections. However, the ICC's rejection arrived on Sunday, halting his plans. When approached for comment, Usman Khawaja chose not to respond, though he had previously discussed his stance extensively at the MCG on Friday.

“I followed all the regulations, past precedents, guys that put stickers on their bats, names on their shoes, done all sorts of things in the past without ICC approval and never been reprimanded. I respect what the ICC and the rules and regulations they have. I will be asking them and contesting they make it fair and equitable for everyone, and they have consistency in how they officiate. That consistency hasn’t been done yet,” Khawaja was quoted as saying by the Brisbane Times.