ICC take action over Ali's wristbands

Update

The International Cricket Council has banned England's Moeen Ali from wearing wristbands that had messages regarding the conflict in the middle east that said "Save Gaza" and "Free Palestine".

Moeen wore the wristbands on the second day of the third Test against India at the Ageas Bowl.

The England & Wales Cricket Board supported Moeen's right to wear the bands but ICC match referee, David Boon, has warned him not to do it again.

"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," said the ICC, in a statement.

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."

Aside from being banned from wearing the wristbands, Moeen will not face any further disciplinary action, as some of his supporters feared he would.

Earlier

The International Cricket Council has launched an investigation after images emerged of England allrounder Moeen Ali wearing 'Save Gaza' and 'Free Palestine' wristbands on day two of the third Test against India in Southampton.

The ECB have cleared Ali of any wrongdoing but the ICC, who does not allow players to display political messages, are yet to hand down their verdict.

The ICC’s code of conduct for players states: "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."

Moeen could be fined up to 50 per cent of his match fee if he is deemed to have committed a Level One offence.

An England spokesman said while Ali had not sought permission from management to wear the wristbands, they believe his messages were humanitarian rather than political.

The spokesman added: "We do not believe Moeen has committed an offence."

On day three of the current Test, England players will wear shirts bearing the Help for Heroes logo, a charity that helps British soldiers wounded in current conflicts.

There will also be a minute's silence at 10:56am observed by both teams to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

There has been an upsurge in violence in Gaza this month after Israel launched an offensive against Palestinian militant group Hamas.

According to the United Nations, almost 1100 people, including many civilians, have been killed during the fighting.

Ali, an English-born Muslim of Pakistani descent, received plenty of support on social media for his stance.