Andile Phehlukwayo wears Apple watch; raises serious questions

Australia and South Africa fought valiantly in the one-off T20 International in Queensland where the visitors came out on top to end the tour on a high. Moreover, the rain curtailed the game to a 10-over per side contest and it was a treat for the spectators who had gathered at the Carrara Oval. However, a controversy could be sparked as South African Andile Phehlukwayo was spotted wearing the Apple watch which is not allowed according to the ICC playing regulations.

Recently, during the first Test between Pakistan and England, the ICC officials had intervened and disallowed the visitors from wearing the Apple watches. They were told to remove the watches before taking the field on the second day of the Test match. It had sparked a little bit of controversy as the device could be used to communicate the information to the dressing room which is not correct according to the rules.

In that case, even Phehlukwayo also shouldn’t have been allowed to wear the watch in the T20I as well and the same is being questioned now.

What is the rule?

According to the ICC’s playing regulations, the players and officials must hand over their phones to the anti-corruption officials before the start of play. They are then returned after the end of day’s play or match (whichever format is being played).

“Communication devices are prohibited within the PMOA [player and match official area], barring specific exceptions. Without exception, no player shall be in possession of, or use a communication device (such as a mobile phone or a device which is connected to the internet), while in the PMOA,” ICC’s playing regulations state.

This means that the apple watches which include multiple functionalities could be used on the field. The players though should disable those functions which could’ve happened in case of Andile Phehlukwayo. But with no clarification on the matter, certainly there is confusion and it remains to be seen if the ICC comes up with more stern rule over the same.

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