ICC Wrong To Silence Moeen Ali

In Paragraph F(1) of its ‘Clothing and Equipment Regulations’ the ICC states that "Players and team officials shall not be permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey messages through arm bands or other items affixed to clothing or equipment unless approved in advance by the player or team official’s Board. Approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes."

England’s spin bowling all-rounder Moeen Ali sported at least two bracelets on his left wrist on the 2nd Day of the 3rd Test at Southampton with the words “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” printed on black and white backgrounds. Each phrase was printed multiple times on a single bracelet, separated by a red triangle turned to look like an arrow head. Together, they alluded to the colors of the Palestinian flag. George Dobell reported that David Boon, ICC’s match referee for the 3rd Test at Southampton, told Moeen Ali 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 ECB, Moeen Ali’s home Board, defended their player. England (including Moeen Ali) are wearing shirts bearing the logo of the “Help for Heroes” charity. This is a military charity which describes its work as delivering “an enduring national network of support for our wounded and their families. We will inspire and enable those who have made sacrifices on our behalf to achieve their full potential. The war in Afghanistan may be nearly over, but for those who have suffered life-changing injuries, their battles are just beginning. We will not let them fight these battles alone.”
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