AN ENGLISH CRICKETER has been banned from wearing wristbands in support of the people of Gaza and Palestine during international matches.
Moeen Ali was spotted batting in the “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” wristbands during England’s third Test against India in Southampton yesterday.
The English Cricket Board (ECB) said that Ali’s bands were humanitarian rather than political, and therefore saw no issue, but match referee David Boon has ruled that they breach International Cricket Council regulations.
This morning, 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.”