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ICC: Moeen Ali can’t wear Save Gaza wristbands

The player has helped raise funds for the victims of the conflict

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.

That prompted the ICC to say they were investigating the incident and a spokesman for the global governing body said 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.”

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.

Meanwhile other cricketers expressed their support of Ali on Twitter.

“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.