ICC confirm smart watches are not permitted on the field of play

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today confirmed that under the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) Regulations, smart watches are not permitted to be worn on the field and in areas designated as PMOA.

Communications devices are prohibited within the PMOA and no player is allowed to be in possession of or use a communications device which is connected to the internet whilst there.

Smartwatches in any way connected to a phone or WI-FI or in any way capable of receiving communications are not allowed and as such we will be reminding players that such devices must be surrendered along with their mobile devices on arrival at the ground on match days.

The ICC and a fair share of tech-based controversies

The ICC has had to deal with its fair share of tech-based controversies in the past, especially given the fact that technology is an increasingly important part of cricket in the grand scheme of things. This was quite clear in 1999 when the South African cricket team under Hansie Cronje decided upon wearing earpieces to receive instructions from his coach Bob Woolmer.

At the time, the use of technology was in its infancy, something that had hardly been tested. Talat Ali, the match-referee on the occasion went ahead and contacted the ICC since there was no rule in the rulebook regarding the use of earpieces. Nevertheless, this was shot down and the Proteas were commanded to remove and get rid of the devices.

The novel DRS system is also something that many are experiencing issues with currently. In fact, the LBW decision has had such an impact that the entirety of the ‘Umpires’ Decision’ is something that remains to create a buzz of controversy each time it happens.

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