5 Instances when cricketers/teams faced the heat for their controversial gestures

Cricket is a game of emotions and playing for the country is a matter of pride. However, there are times when teams and players have often taken this game as an opportunity to pay tribute or respect or even gesture towards a sensitive issue.

MS Dhoni was recently in the news for one such thing. He sported a symbol of the Army Insignia on his wicket-keeping gloves which didn’t go down well with the ICC who reprimanded the former Indian skipper for the same. There have been multiple such instances where cricketers have tried to gesture some message by sporting patriotic and political clothing and gear.

However, the Appendix 2 of the ICC ‘Clothing and Equipment Regulations’ explains the breach or offences and the respective disciplinary action that the international body can initiate in case of such instances. Hence, let’s take a look back at five such incidents in cricket history where the cricketers and teams faced the heat from the ICC for their controversial gestures.

Imran Tahir sporting Junaid Jamshed innerwear

There are hardly any cricketers in the current day and age that can celebrate the way Imran Tahir does when he picks a wicket. The South African leggie takes off on a celebratory sprint almost every time he dismisses a batsman. However, back in early 2017, he was reprimanded by the ICC for one of his celebrations.

It was not for his sprint but the gesture and the t-shirt he wore underneath the South African jersey. Tahir sported a t-shirt under his playing jersey which had an image of the late Junaid Jamshed. He was a famous Pakistani pop icon who turned into a religious preacher towards the latter half of his life.

While playing the second T20I at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, Tahir who is also born in Pakistan picked up the wicket of Asela Gunaratne. He took off on a customary sprint and then lifted his playing kit to reveal the image of Jamshed who died in the Pakistan International Airlines crash in December 2016.

Tahir was reprimanded by the ICC for a procedural breach of their clothing and equipment regulations under section G1. The leg-spinner admitted to the offence and the matter didn’t drag on for long.

Moeen Ali sporting Gaza and Palestine band

It was in 2014 that Moeen Ali made his international debut. However, within a few months of his debut, he was involved in a bit of a controversy. Playing just his fifth Test match, Ali was spotted wearing wrist-bands with slogans – ‘Save Gaza’ and ‘Free Palestine’.

It was on the first couple of days of the third Test between England and India in Southampton that Ali wore those wrist bands. However, the Birmingham-born all-rounder was asked to remove them by the ICC match referee, David Boon. The ECB  tried to defend Ali in this case, stating his act as humanitarian rather than political. However, the ICC highlighted its clothing and equipment regulations which led to the southpaw removing the bands.

Team India wearing Army caps

Earlier this year, the Pulwama attacks shook India and affected a lot of lives. In fact, at least 40 CRPF personnel were killed in the attack. Hence, the Indian cricket team decided to pay respect and homage to the martyrs of Pulwama attack.

All the members of the team decided to donate their match fees during the third ODI against Australia in Ranchi. They also sported specially designed army caps throughout the game instead of the usual blue caps. “This is a special cap, it’s a tribute to the armed forces. We’re all donating our match fees of this game to the National Defence Fund. I urge everyone in the country to do the same. Donate and stick to the families of our armed forces,” Virat Kohli was quoted saying at the toss.

There was some controversy that surrounded India’s decision to wear army caps. But the BCCI had taken prior permission from the ICC to do the same. The BCCI also cancelled the opening ceremony of the IPL and decided to donate the entire budget of it towards the benefit and betterment of the families of those killed in the ghastly attack.

Andy Flower’s black armband incident

The 2003 World Cup was hosted by three countries – South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya. However, there was political tension in the latter two countries. Moreover, there were a few teams who decided against travelling to those countries.

However, during the first World Cup game in Zimbabwe, there was another controversy that broke out and it led to massive repercussions. Andy Flower, alongside Henry Olonga, decided to sport black armbands as a sign of ‘mourning the death of democracy in Zimbabwe’. It was their way to oppose President Robert Mugabe’s ‘regime’.

No one was aware of it until Flower walked out to bat in the 22nd over of the innings. But once it was out, there was a massive controversy. The ICC, however, did not charge the two players but banned them from wearing the black armbands. But both Flower and Olonga were forced to leave the country. The 2003 World Cup was the last time they were seen in international cricket.

MS Dhoni sporting Balidaan badge on gloves

MS Dhoni is one of the most patriotic cricketers. He has never shied away from showing his love for the Indian army. He’s often been at the forefront of appreciating and paying tribute to the armed forces. Also, he is often spotted carrying camouflage coloured kit bags.

In India’s first game of the 2019 World Cup, Dhoni’s gloves had the Army Insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces. It can also be termed as the ‘Balidaan’ badge. It created a stir in the social media. The ICC did not take the matter lightly and asked Dhoni not to wear those gloves again. The BCCI did request the apex body to exempt Dhoni as the symbol was not religious, military, or commercial in nature.

However, the ICC did not accept the request and stayed firm on its decision. Dhoni has just been reprimanded and if he repeats this act multiple times, he will be fined.