Moeen Ali told to remove wristbands

moeenali

On Monday, the batsman was pictured wearing "Save Gaza" and "Free Palestine" bands on his left wrist during the second day of the third Test with India at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

However, he has now been asked to remove them for the remainder of the match, despite backing from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

In a statement on Tuesday, an ICC spokesman explained the governing body's stance.

"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," said the statement. 

"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 ECB continued to back the player on their official Twitter account, confirming they were happy for Ali to make the gesture.

"[It is] not up to us," they wrote. "We allowed him to wear the bands. 

"The ICC match referee has made the decision he shouldn't [wear them]."

Author(s)