AUS vs PAK: ICC charge Usman Khawaja for black armband protest during Perth Test

Australia batter Usman Khawaja has been charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for protesting by wearing a black armband during their Test match against Pakistan at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Khawaja had worn a black armband in Australia’s 360-run win over Pakistan in the first Test of their three-match series. The opening batter scored 41 and 90 against Pakistan over two innings to guide his side to a comfortable win on Day 4.

In a statement released by the ICC, saying he displayed a personal message by wearing the armband without seeking approval from Cricket Australia and the ICC.

“Usman Khawaja has been charged for breaching Clause F of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations, which can be found on the ICC Playing



Conditions page. The sanctions for a breach of the regulations are outlined in Appendix 2,” an ICC spokesperson said.

“Usman displayed a personal message (arm band) during the 1st Test Match against Pakistan without seeking the prior approval of Cricket Australia and the ICC to display it, as required in the regulations for personal messages. This is a breach under the category of an “other breach” and the sanction for a first offence is a reprimand,” the statement added.

Khawaja was in hot water after he wore shoes sporting the slogans ‘Freedom is a human right’ and ‘All lives are equal’ during Australia's net session ahead of their first Test against Pakistan. He had planned to wear them in the first Test but was told that this would be a breach of ICC rules.