Pat Cummins on Dove logo row: Backing his teammate’s message, Australia’s Cummins applauded Khawaja’s Gaza awareness efforts. But staying true to his captain’s role, Cummins stressed obeying the ICC’s rulings, despite their limitations. Pat Cummins threw his support behind Usman Khawaja’s peace symbol protest. The ICC shot down Usman Khawaja’s latest attempt to wear a dove and olive branch on his gear for the second Test.
The Proposed Symbol
The symbol Khawaja proposed included a reference to Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which enshrines the principle of universal human dignity and equality. Notably, it reads: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” “Their endowment of conscience and reason compels them to treat each other with kindness.” In response to the ICC rejecting Khawaja’s application, Cummins stated at a press conference, “Not really, no – I don’t know the ins and outs of the application, but I think it is pretty vanilla, a dove.”
Pat Cummins’s Take
“I think Uzzy is standing up for what he believes in and doing it incredibly responsibly, so we really support him. I don’t believe it’s very controversial to suggest that all lives are equal, and I’d say the same thing about the dove. That’s Uzzy. He can be proud of the approach he’s taken, but regulations are in place, and I think the ICC has stated that they won’t support it. We have to play by the rules as they stand,” Cummins affirmed. A representative for the ICC gave ESPNcricinfo the specific provision that led to the denial of the left-handed batter’s application.
The ‘Clause F’
In a bid for personal expression, Usman Khawaja requested a custom logo on his bat for the last Pakistan Test.” The ICC considered his proposal, but ultimately decided not to approve the application. The ICC’s Clothing and Equipment Regulations, Clause F, explicitly ban personal messages on player gear. ICC backs players promoting equality, peace, and rights off-field. They urge Khawaja to find other ways to voice his concerns. Khawaja sported a black armband in Perth Test, breaking the same rule.
ICC board’s Approval
This armband snagged him like his Gaza message on shoes. Khawaja planned shoes with “equal lives, human rights” slogans for Gaza focus. On field, he opted for a plain armband, silently highlighting the issue. Wearing black armbands needs ICC and board approval even for tributes, despite their common use. Australia and Pakistan will play their second Test match at the MCG on Tuesday.
Also Read: https://liveindia.tv/rizwan-replaces-sarfaraz-in-pakistans-boxing-day-test-squad/
