ICC bans Moeen Ali from wearing 'Save Gaza' wristbands

Southampton, July 29 (IANS) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned England batsman Moeen Ali from wearing "Save Gaza" and "Free Palestine" wristbands for the remainder of the third Test against India at The Rose Bowl here.

Moeen Ali, a devout Muslim had worn the wristbands on the first two days of the third Test but match referee David Boon reminded the Englishman of the ICC clothing and equipment regulations.

According to cricinfo, Boon also told Moeen that while individuals are free to make political or humanitarian statements in their private lives, they do not enjoy such freedom while playing international cricket.

The ICC issued the following statement Tuesday morning: "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 while 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 English cricket board had cleared Moeen to wear the bands, arguing that he was making a humanitarian statement and not a political one.