The ICC may fine Ali 50 per cent of his match fee for wearing the wristbands
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have defended all-rounder Moeen Ali’s decision to wear wristbands with “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” written on them during the ongoing third Test against India in Southampton.
Ali, who is a devout Muslim, did not inform the ECB before wearing the wristbands and could face repercussions from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for doing so.
According to section F of the ICC Code of Conduct, it says: “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.”
An ICC spokesman confirmed that the global cricketing body are investigating the matter. If found guilty, Ali could be fined 50 per cent of his match fee.
However, an ECB spokesman said that Ali’s decision to wear the wristbands were “humanitarian [and] not political” and added that “the ECB do not believe he has committed any offence”.
It was also announced that on the third day of the third Test, England would be wearing shirts with the Help for Heroes logo. Help for Heroes are “a UK military charity…formed to help those wounded in Britain’s current conflicts”.
There will also be a minute’s silence at 10.56am, which will be observed by both teams, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War.