Usman Khawaja’s video sparks debate on ICC’s double standards
Australian batsman Usman Khawaja has posted a new video on his social media accounts, in which he criticises the International Cricket Council (ICC) for banning his shoes that had a message of solidarity with the people of Gaza. Khawaja, who is of Pakistani origin, wore the shoes during the first Test against Pakistan in Perth, but was told by the ICC that he had breached the regulations for personal messages.
In the video, Khawaja says that he does not understand why the ICC considers his message to be political, when other players have been allowed to wear messages of support for various causes, such as breast cancer awareness, mental health awareness, and Black Lives Matter. He also questions why the ICC does not take a stand against human rights violations in countries where cricket is played, such as China, Myanmar, and Afghanistan.
Khawaja says that he is not trying to offend anyone or create controversy, but rather to raise awareness and show compassion for the people who are suffering in Gaza. He says that he believes that all lives are equal, and that freedom is a human right. He also says that he will appeal the ICC’s ruling, and hopes that the cricket community will support him.
Khawaja’s video has received mixed reactions from fans and experts. Some have praised him for his courage and conviction, and for using his platform to speak up for a humanitarian issue. Others have criticised him for being naive and divisive, and for bringing politics into cricket. Some have also pointed out that Khawaja’s message could be seen as biased or insensitive, given the complex and contentious nature of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The ICC has not yet responded to Khawaja’s video, or to the comments made by South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who also slammed the ICC for its double standards. Shamsi, who is a Muslim, tweeted that he was disappointed and disgusted by the ICC’s decision, and asked why the ICC does not allow players to express their views on human rights issues, when it claims to promote diversity and inclusion.
The ICC’s regulations for personal messages state that players must seek prior approval from their national cricket board and the ICC to display any message on their clothing or equipment, and that the message must not be related to political, religious, or racial activities or causes. The ICC also reserves the right to determine whether any message is inappropriate or offensive, and to impose sanctions on the players who breach the regulations.
The ICC’s regulations are meant to prevent any potential controversy or conflict that could arise from players expressing their personal opinions or beliefs on sensitive or controversial issues. However, the ICC’s regulations also raise questions about the consistency and transparency of its rulings, and the extent to which it respects and protects the players’ freedom of expression and human rights.
What do you think of Khawaja’s video and the ICC’s rulings? Do you agree or disagree with Khawaja’s message and his criticism of the ICC? Do you think the ICC should allow players to wear personal messages on their shoes or other equipment, or should it ban them altogether? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
Source:
VIDEO : Usman Khawaja comes swinging out at ICC ruling to not wear …. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-14/usman-khawaja-comes-swinging-out-at-icc-ruling-to/103227584.