Key PointsUsman Khawaja won’t be allowed to display a dove symbol during Australia’s Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.Khawaja was charged by the ICC for breaching its clothing and equipment regulations after he wore a black armband without permission.Pat Cummins says Khawaja can hold his head high and Australia must accept the ICC’s ruling.
Australian captain Pat Cummins has again backed Usman Khawaja, declaring there is little difference between the star opener’s banned dove symbol and the eagle Marnus Labuschagne has on his bat.
Khawaja 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 in the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.
The plan was part of Khawaja’s renewed push to raise awareness for what he sees as a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The left-handed run machine had support from Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers Association, but his application was denied by the ICC on Sunday.
Pat Cummins said he supports his teammate’s right to have strong beliefs, but accepts the governing body’s ruling. Source: AAP / Joel Carrett
Cummins on Monday described the dove symbol as “pretty vanilla” and said it was “not really” any different to observant Christian Labuschagne’s eagle, which represents a Bible verse.
“We really support Uzzy. He’s standing up for what he believes and I think he’s done it really respectfully,” Cummins said.
“(His initial message was) ‘all lives are equal’ and I don’t think that’s very offensive, and I’d say the same about the dove.
“That’s Uzzy. I think he can really hold his head high with the way he’s gone about it.
“But obviously there’s rules in place and I believe the ICC have said they’re not going to approve that. They make up the rules and you’ve got to accept it.”
Khawaja was previously charged by the ICC for breaching its clothing and equipment regulations after he wore a black armband without permission during the first Test in Perth.
– after he was told wearing shoes with the words “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” would breach ICC rules.
Khawaja was wearing plain black shoes and was greeted warmly by members of the Pakistan team as players from both sides went through light training sessions indoors at the MCG on Monday.
Cummins’ support for Khawaja comes as Australia prepare to roll out an unchanged line-up for the Boxing Day clash, 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 been unable to force his way back into the team for his home Test this time around.
The Australians are hot favourites after a dominant 360-run victory in Perth, and wet weather may yet prove the biggest obstacle to continuing their winning ways in Melbourne.