Moeen Ali banned from wearing wristbands in support of Gaza by ICC
England batting all-rounder Moeen Ali, who found himself in trouble after photographs emerged of him wearing “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” wristbands during the ongoing Test match against India, has been banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) from wearing wristbands with political or religious messages on the cricket field.
While the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have provided full backing to Ali by stating that the 27-year-old’s gesture was on humane grounds rather than political, the ICC had to go by its code of conduct for players that states the following: “Players and team officials shall not be permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey messages through arm bands or other items affixed to clothing or equipment unless approved in advance by the player or team official’s Board. Approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes.”
Speaking about the decision to ban the Worcestershire player from wearing the wristband, the ICC said: “‘The ICC Equipment and Clothing Regulations do not permit the display of messages that relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes during an international match.
“Moeen Ali was told by the Match Referee that whilst he is free to express his views on such causes away from the cricket field, he is not permitted to wear the wristbands on the field of play and warned not to wear the bands again during an international match.”
The Pakistan-born middle order batsman, who is quite adept at bowling off-spin, has represented England in 5 Tests, 3 ODIs and 6 T20Is.