England vs India third Test: Moeen Ali banned from wearing 'Save Gaza' and 'Free Palestine' wristbands by the ICC

The International Cricket Council has banned England cricketer Moeen Ali from wearing any wristbands with political messages on them after he was seen wearing “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine”inscribed wristbands during his first innings in the third Test between England and India.

Former Australia batsman David Boon, who is the ICC’s match referee for the encounter at Southampton’s Aegas Bowl, has made the ruling after conflicting statements on Monday night left a state of confusion around the incident.

The ECB had cleared Moeen to wear the wristbands because he was making a humanitarian statement as opposed to a political one, but the ICC have taken a different approach.

A statement released by the ICC on Tuesday morning – ahead of the third day’s play began – read: “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 act of support is in relation to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East as conflict between Israel and Palestine continues in Gaza, where the death toll has reportedly surpassed the 1,000 mark.

The entire England team will also wear the logo of the Help for Heroes charity on their shirts today in a commemorative gesture on the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Moeen made just 12 runs from 28 balls on Monday before Bhuvneshwar Kumar had him caught by Ajinkya Rahane, but it didn’t cost the hosts as centuries from Gary Balance and Ian Bell helped them to a total of 569-7d before leaving India on 25-1.