Apex Cricket Council rejects Usman Khawaja’s request to sport dove symbol on bat and shoes
In support of the lives lost in Gaza, Usman Khawaja had planned to sport a black dove holding an olive branch on his shoes and gear during the first Test against Pakistan. The dove is a well-recognized symbol of peace, and the olive branch is often associated with hope and reconciliation. However, the Apex Cricket Council has prohibited Khawaja from wearing the design, citing regulations that prevent players from displaying personal messages or logos on their kits.
The council’s decision has sparked outrage among some cricket fans and commentators, who see it as an infringement on Khawaja’s freedom of expression. Others, however, believe that the council is right to uphold its regulations and that Khawaja should have chosen a different way to express his views. There was also a message on his kit. “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,” it said.
Apex Council’s decision reigns supreme
Earlier, Khawaja sought permission from the Australian Cricket Board and the Australian Cricketers Association for his move and received the green light from both bodies as well. However, the Apex Council’s decision is second to none and thus, Khawaja will not be able to go ahead with the idea.
Khawaja on his part has said that he will be contesting the denial and expects consistency from the council’s end when it comes to making decisions in such matters. “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 approval and never been reprimanded. I respect the officials and the rules and regulations they have. I will be asking them and contesting whether they make it fair and equitable for everyone, and whether they have consistency in how they officiate. That consistency hasn’t been done yet,” Khawaja was quoted as saying by an Australian daily.
Coming to the game, Australia will be eager to win the game and take an unassailable lead in the three-match series, having won the first game at the Optus Stadium in Perth. They start as firm favourites having annihilated Pakistan in the first Test.
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