SOUTHAMPTON: 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 Moeen would face no disciplinary action on this occasion after being warned about his future conduct by match referee David Boon, the former Australia batsman.

The Worcestershire all-rounder wore wristbands during the third Test against India on Monday that read ‘Save Gaza’ and ‘Free Palestine’, while batting during England’s first innings at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

That prompted the ICC to say they were investigating the incident and a spokesman for the global governing body said: “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 and warned not to wear the bands again during an international match.”

Moeen’s wristbands were only on public display for 42 minutes on Monday while he made 12 runs off 28 balls before he was caught off India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

The England and Wales Cricket Board insisted they had no issues with Moeen’s conduct.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2014