London, May 25(TNS): Pakistani players were prohibited by the International Cricket Council (ICC) of wearing smart watches during the first day of the Lord’s Test against England on Thursday, as Pakistan’s Asad Shafique and Babar Azam was spotted wearing one in camera footages.
Cricket’s most powerful governing body in the world has instructed Pakistani players firmly not to wear smart watches in the field as it can give an indication of wrongdoing to the cricketing world whatsoever.
At stumps Pakistan had a strong hold on the match as they finished 50/1 after rattling England in the first innings for 184.
After stumps fast bowler Hassan Ali who performed splendidly on the opening day with figures of 4-51, said that he had no idea that anyone of the Pakistani cricketers was wearing a smart watch.
“But yes, an ICC anti-corruption officer came to us and told us this is not allowed. So next time nobody will wear them.” added the pacer.
Devices which can transmit any kind of communication are prohibited in the field according to ICC’s anti-corruption regulations.
Therefore, players are instructed to handover their cellphones or any electronic device they might possess, the devices are however returned at the end of play.
An ICC spokesman said, “Apple watches in any way connected to a phone or WiFi or in any way capable of receiving communications, such as messages, are not allowed.”In effect, it is considered a phone unless disabled and just a watch.”
He added that such watches can be used for the legitimate purpose of analyzing the players fitness data.
