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‘He’ll be remembered forever for this’- Fans react as Pat Cummins throws weight behind Usman Khawaja’s dove symbol protest

In a silent plea for peace, Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja hoped to adorn his shoes and gear with a black dove cradling an olive branch during the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. […]

Dec 25, 2023 1:50 pm

Usman Khawaja and Pat Cummins (Source – Twitter)

In a silent plea for peace, Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja hoped to adorn his shoes and gear with a black dove cradling an olive branch during the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. This poignant symbol, a universal emblem of hope and reconciliation, aimed to draw attention to the lives lost in Gaza. However, the Apex Cricket Council’s regulations, designed to keep playing fields neutral, clipped Khawaja’s wings, silencing his powerful message before it could take flight.

Outrage flared among fans and commentators, who saw the council’s decision as a blunt instrument crushing the delicate flower of free expression. But dissent bloomed too, with voices arguing that regulations, however imperfect, are the threads that weave a fair playing field. 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.

Though his gesture received backing from both the Australian Cricket Board and the Australian Cricketers’ Association, it ultimately stumbled at the feet of the Apex Council.

Skipper has Khawaja’s back

While the council does not support Khawaja’s move, the latter will be delighted to know that his teammate and more importantly, captain, Pat Cummins, stands with him. Cummins, while speaking to the media ahead of the 2nd Test declared that Khawaja has the support of his mates. He lauded the experienced batter for being respectful throughout the whole saga. However, he added that there are rules in place that have to be accepted.

“We really support Uzzy. He’s standing up for what he believes and I think he’s done it really respectfully. But obviously, there are rules in place and I believe they have said they’re not going to approve that. They make up the rules and you’ve got to accept it,” he said.

Khawaja on his part has said that he will be contesting the council’s decision, adding that he expects a certain level of consistency from the body 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 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.

Here’s how fans reacted to Cummins’ statement in the press:

Focus on cricket dude 😉

— Pankaj (@Pankaj41627) December 25, 2023

This is the only reason why Australian team players are so friendly with each other and stand behind each other❤️

— Aussies Army🏏🦘 (@AussiesArmy) December 25, 2023