Anti-corruption officials order Pakistan players to not wear smart watches

Team Pakistan had a dream start to their campaign in England. On the first day of the first Test of their tour, they bundled out the hosts for a paltry 184 before assuming ascendancy with the bat on the first day. While the players did everything right on the field, they ended up creating some news for their non-cricketing actions. During the match, some of the players of the Pakistani team were spotted wearing Apple smart watches.

The pictures of the same surfaced the media and the ICC Anti-Corruption officer at the match, Peter O’Shea was surprised to see them. After the end of the day’s play, the players were asked to not wear the smart watches on the field. Ace Pakistan bowler, Hasan Ali, confirmed the same as per the quotes in ESPNcricinfo.

“The ACSU officer came to speak to us and told us it’s not allowed to wear them so we won’t be wearing them,” Hasan Ali quoted at the end of day’s play.

The ICC rule

As per the current ruling, the players are asked to submit their personal devices to the officials before the game. The devices are then locked away and handed over to the players shortly after the conclusion of the day’s play. Any type of communication device is not allowed on the field.

“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,” the ICC regulation states.

“Apple watches in any way connected to a phone/WiFi or in any way capable of receiving comms such as messages, are not allowed. In effect, it is considered a phone unless ‘disabled’ and just a watch,” ICC spokesman told ESPNcricinfo.

The watches can still be worn on the field if they are ‘disabled’ and they only serve the purpose of being watches. Many might feel that there is no need to wear watches during the game as a giant clock is present at the venue. However, the players often use watches to monitor their physical activity on the field.

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