English emerging star all-rounder Moeen Ali created worldwide news headlines when he wore a wristband in support of Palestinians during test match between India and England at Ageas Bowl, Southampton. He wore the band for almost 42 minutes before he was asked to take it down.
Match referee David Boon warned Ali against wearing such wristbands that display any message related to politics, race or religion during any international match, News 24 reported.
No further disciplinary action was taken against Ali on this occasion and the matter stood resolved after serving a warning message to him.
The wristbands that Ali wore had ‘Save Gaza’ and ‘Free Palestine’ written on them. Sharp focus of the cameras covering the match quickly spotted it and the news spread around the globe like wildfire.
Though ICC code of conduct strictly prohibits using the game cricket to further one’s political, racial or religious agenda, ICC itself has used the game for such purposes.
In 1970, ICC voted to indefinitely ban South African cricket team for its government’s apartheid policy. Even though the decision was hailed by the majority of people of the world, in reality it was indeed South Africa’s internal politics.
Also, former England coach Andy Flower and his Zimbabwe team-mate Henry Olonga wore black armbands to protest against Robert Mugabe’s regime in 2003. No warning was given to them at the time.