England's Moeen Ali has been warned by world cricket chiefs not to wear wristbands declaring his support for the people of Gaza again during international matches.
But the International Cricket Council (ICC) said Ali would face no disciplinary action on this occasion after being warned about his future conduct by match referee David Boon, the former Australia batsman.
Worcestershire all-rounder Ali wore wristbands during the third Test match against India on Monday that read "Save Gaza" and "Free Palestine", while batting during England's first innings at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.
The conflict in Gaza is entering its fourth week, with the Palestinian death toll passing the 1,100 mark and 56 people losing their lives on the Israeli side.
That prompted the ICC to say they were investigating the incident and a spokesman for the global governing body told AFP on Tuesday: "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 27-year-old Ali, a Birmingham-born practising Muslim of Pakistani descent, was photographed recently helping raise funds for Gaza relief efforts in his home city in central England.
Ali's wristbands were only on public display for 42 minutes on Monday while he made 12 runs off 28 balls before he was caught off India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
On Monday, the England and Wales Cricket Board insisted they had no issues with Ali's conduct.
"As far as we are concerned, he has not committed any offence," an ECB spokesman said, adding it was up to the ICC to decide what action, if any, Ali should face.
Meanwhile other cricketers expressed their support of Ali on Twitter.
"Absolutely love this! Well done Moeen bro! Keep showing your support! #Pray4Gaza" wrote former England cricketer Ajmal Shahzad.
"Good on brother mo! #prayforGaza" wrote Lancashire and former England bowler Kabir Ali, Moeen's cousin.
"We have always worn wristbands or ribbons when showing support 4an incident or raising awareness,we do it for animal rights too, y not humans," wrote former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood.
Other sports have also had to confront the issue of competitors making political, pro-Gaza protests.
On Friday, Malaysian cyclist Azizulhasni Awang was warned he risked being thrown out of the Commonwealth Games if he repeated wearing gloves bearing the message "Save Gaza".
Awang could have been ejected from the 2014 Glasgow Games after wearing the gloves in competition on Thursday.
Instead the 26-year-old was given a reprimand and warned not to wear them again.
Though Awang insisted his message was "humanitarian" rather than politically-charged, he issued an apology.
| THE 'WRISTBAND ACTIVIST' CRICKETER |
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Moeen Ali, a left-handed batsman of Pakistani descent, has been warned by the ICC not to wear wristbands in support of the people of Gaza, on the cricket pitch. The devout Muslim all-rounder of Worcestershire county is described by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as having the ability to "fill legend Graeme Hick's boots". Ali, who led England to the semi-finals of the Under-19 World Cup in Pakistan in 2006, made his Test debut against Sri Lanka at Lord's this June. In the first innings, Ali scored 48 while he was dismissed for four in the drawn test, also picking up the wicket of Kumara Sangakkara with his right arm offbreak. The second test was at Headingly in Leeds, where England won the toss and chose to field. Sri Lanka were dismissed for 257 in the first innings while England scored 365 in the first innings. Ali, though gave away his wicket cheaply, for two. The Lankans went on to score 457 in the second innings, setting England a second innings target of 350 to win. As wicket after English wicket kept falling, Ali stood firm at the other end, trying to save the match. Finally, England were dismissed for 249, the Lankans winning by 100 runs. But Ali remained unvanquished on 108. Ali, who made his county debut at 15 with rivals Warwickshire, moved to Worcestershire in 2007 and is thought of as a future Worcestershire captain. Ali, though, isn't the only cricketer in the family. His brother Kadeer and cousin Kabir are active on the county circuit as well.
Sources: ECB website, ESPNCricinfo.com and skysports.com |
