LAHORE – An International Cricket Council (ICC) has warned Pakistani players not to wear smartwatches during play to avoid any allegations of match-fixing.
According to a report, two Pakistani players — Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq, were seen sporting the devices during the opening day of their first Test against England at Lord’s and were cautioned by an ICC anti-corruption officer.
The ICC has confirmed that smart watches are not allowed on the field of play or areas designated as the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA).https://t.co/MAv4mRNAqv pic.twitter.com/tYgDi1LJwn
— ICC (@ICC) May 25, 2018
“communications devices are prohibited within the within the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA), and no player is allowed to be in possession of or use a communications device which is connected to the internet whilst there,” the ICC said in a statement issued on Friday.
“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 statement added.
Only match officials are allowed specific communication devices to communicate with their colleagues while they perform their duties, the statement explained.
Match-fixing has become a major concern for the ICC in recent years with a high-profile incident in the game of gentlemen.
