Aussie opener Usman Khawaja removes sticker from bat in 1st Test vs New Zealand

Australia’s star cricketer, Usman Khawaja, was forced to take off a banned dove sticker from the bat in the second innings of the Wellington Test match against New Zealand on Saturday, March 2. Notably, in the first session of the third day of play, Usman Khawaja asked for a replacement bat after cracking his bat, whereas Australia enjoyed a 217-run lead over the previous night.

However, before opting for a bat with an olive branch and a dove emblem, which got him into an argument with the Apex Cricket Council and eventually ended in him being banned from wearing it on the field, Matthew Renshaw presented Khawaja with a few options.

Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja’s wish to wear the dove sticker was denied by the Apex Cricket Council in December 2023, just in time for the Boxing Day Test clash against Pakistan. Notably, the emblem acts as a visual cue to draw attention to the Gaza humanitarian tragedy. The Apex Cricket Council, however, considered it to be a “political protest” during the international game.

I think Usman Khawaja standing up for what he believes and I think he’s doing it really respectfully: Pat Cummins

However, Australia’s Test skipper, Pat Cummins, had extended his support to the star opening batter. The right-arm pacer affirms that Usman Khawaja is standing for equal rights, and nothing is wrong with this act. In addition, the great seamer acknowledged that the Apex Cricket Council has fixed rules and nothing can be changed in them.

“We really support Uzzy, I think he’s standing up for what he believes and I think he’s doing it really respectfully. All lives are equal and I don’t think that’s very offensive, and I’d say the same about the dove. That’s Uzzy. He can hold his head high the way he’s gone about it, but there’s rules in place, so I believe the ICC have said they’re not going to approve that. They make up the rules and you’ve got to accept it,” Pat Cummins said.