‘Armband was for a personal bereavement’: Usman Khawaja clarifies the reason he wore an armband during the Perth Test

After donning the armband during Australia's incredible 360-run victory against Pakistan in Perth, Khawaja received reprimand from the ICC.

In a recent development, Usman Khawaja gave an explanation for his decision to wear a black armband during the opening Test match against Pakistan. Originally thought to be associated with a political position, Khawaja disclosed that it was, in fact, a symbol of a personal loss. But because they thought this move went against their norms, the ICC had chastised it.

Khawaja wore the armband having initially planned to take the field with writing on his shoes which he had worn in training stating “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In international cricket, black armbands are frequently worn to commemorate the passing of  former players, family members, or other notable figures; however, a prior approval from the national board and the ICC is required.

Speaking on Friday at the MCG, Khawaja expressed his opinion that the ICC was not consistently enforcing its own rules.

“They asked me on day two [in Perth] what it was for and told them it was for a personal bereavement,” he said of the armband. “I never ever stated it was for anything else. The shoes were a different matter, I’m happy to say that. The armband makes no sense to me. 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 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. I was very open and honest with that. I’ll deal with that with the ICC.”

Khawaja wore the armband on his first day in Perth without making an official remark, but at the time it was assumed to be in reference to the video he had shared on social media after being informed he could not display the inscriptions on his shoes.

The CEO of Cricket Australia, Nick Hockley, stated that the board and the ICC were in continuous communication with Khawaja’s message dissemination. However, it is still unclear if a resolution to these negotiations can be achieved in time for the Boxing Day Test.

If Khawaja were to receive a reprimand, which is the most severe punishment under the charges leveled against him, he would be well prepared for the Boxing Day Test match against Pakistan. Instead of a ban, even a fourth such sentence within a year would only result in a penalty equal to 75% of the match fee.

The ICC’s clothing and equipment regulations state:

“Players and team officials shall not be permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey personal messages on their clothing, equipment or otherwise, irrespective of whether such messages are affixed to clothing, equipment or otherwise and whether such messages are displayed or conveyed through the use of the specific clothing or other items (eg. an arm band) or by the use of words, symbol, graphic message, images or otherwise (‘personal messages’), unless approved in advance by both the player or team official’s board and the ICC Cricket Operations Department. Approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes.”

“I’m speaking about humanitarian issues”- says Khwaja

Khawaja reiterated what he said in his video before the Perth Test, that he was not taking a political stance and was instead trying to bring awareness to the suffering.

“I don’t have any agendas other than to shine a light on what I feel very passionate and strong about,” he said. “I’m trying to do it in the most respectful way possible. What I wrote on my shoes, I thought about it for a while. I made sure I didn’t want to segregate different parts of the population, religious beliefs and community. I wanted it to be really broad because I’m speaking about humanitarian issues. I’m talking about article one in the unified declaration of human rights. The reason I’m doing it is because it hit me hard.

“I told Nick that when I’m looking at my Instagram and seeing innocent kids, videos of them dying, passing away, that’s what hit me the hardest. I just imagine my young daughter in my arms and the same thing. I get emotional talking about it again. I don’t have any hidden agendas.

“If anything this brings up more negativity towards me…I don’t get anything out of this. I just feel like it’s my responsibility to speak up on this. We live in such a beautiful country. I’m blessed to live in Australia. I can walk outside, don’t have to worry about a thing. My kids can do the same. I just want that for the rest of the world.”

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