ICC rejects Usman Khawaja's appeal against armband sanction

Usman Khawaja's appeal against ICC reprimand for wearing black armband to mourn victims of Israel-Palestine conflict rejected.

Australia opener Usman Khawaja suffered a setback after his appeal against the sanction imposed on him for wearing a black armband during the opening Test against Pakistan was rejected by the International Cricket Council, a report said on January 7.

Last month, Khawaja was reprimanded by the ICC for wearing the black armband to mourn the children who have been the victim of the conflict between Israel and Palestine that has been going on since October last year.

The 37-year-old, who was born in Pakistan and is the first Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia, had challenged the reprimand saying that the armband was for a personal bereavement.

However, a report in Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday said that "Usman Khawaja’s reprimand for wearing a black armband onto the field during the first Test against Pakistan in Perth will stand after the International Cricket Council rejected his appeal against the sanction..." It was "according to a source close to the situation who wished to remain anonymous ahead of any public announcement being made".

ICC regulations prevent cricketers from displaying messages of political, religious or racial causes during international matches.

However, players can wear black armbands to mark deaths of former players, family members or other significant individuals after taking prior permission from the governing body.

ICC had said that Khawaja did not take required permission from his Cricket Australia or the ICC.