While playing in the National T20 tournament in Karachi on Sunday, Pakistan cricketer Azam Khan was fined 50% of his match fee for violating the ICC’s clothing and equipment regulations. In his bat, Azam displayed the flag of Palestine on his willow as he played for Karachi Whites, demonstrating that he was supporting the Palestinian cause and standing with the victims.

In accordance with ICC rules and regulations, cricketers are not allowed to put any logos or messages on their clothes or equipment, including bats and gloves, which are political or religious in nature. All member boards must adhere to the ICC Code Of Conduct during domestic matches as well.  Fifty percent of his match money was penalised. A report in Geo News stated that Azam carried the flag on the bat in two previous matches of the same tournament without receiving a warning.

A majority of Pakistan men’s cricket players have expressed their support for Palestine on social media in October. It had been Mohammad Rizwan’s intention to dedicate his match-winning hundred against Sri Lanka to the victims of Gaza’s war, which was not in violation of the ICC’s code. PCB had then stated that “the team expressed solidarity in a personal way.”

MS Dhoni was stopped from wearing gloves with the insignia of India’s Para Special Forces during the World Cup in 2019. The ICC did not fine him for his violation of the Code of Conduct. 

Players and team officials are not allowed to “wear,display, or otherwise convey messages through arm bands or other items affixed to clothing or equipment,” as stated in the official ICC guidelines on attire and equipment, which can be seen on their website.

ICC reprimanded England cricketer Moeen Ali in 2014, for wearing ‘Save Gaza’ wristbands during an international match and later banned him from wearing such wristbands in the future.

In cricket, there’s a fine line between political sentiments and freedom of speech. The ICC did nothing when Henry Oolnga and Andy Flower wore black armbands during the 2003 World Cup, and many cricketers around the world supported the ‘Black Lives Matter’ campaign by taking a knee.