Severe breach of ICC laws as Indian cricketers wear military caps

The Indian cricket team is under staunch criticism after it decided to wear military caps during its third ODI against Australia to honour the 40 paramilitary troops who lost their lives in the Pulwama attack.

This has been perceived as a dangerous sign by many as it comes as a severe violation of guidelines set down by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

According to Indian journalist Binoo John in HuffPost India, "No team in the history of modern cricket has worn military camouflage caps or symbols during an international match to make a statement."

As per ICC's code of conduct that regulates the conduct of professional players in cricket, "Players and team officials shall not be permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey messages through arm bands or other items affixed to clothing or equipment ("Personal Messages") unless approved in advance by both the player or team official's Board and the ICC Cricket Operations Department. Approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes."

In the past, ace England cricket stalwart Moeen Ali was banned from wearing a 'Save Gaza' and 'Free Palestine' wristband back in 2014.

Although England had cleared the display of Ali's wristbands, ICC issued the following statement:

"The ICC equipment and clothing regulations do not permit the display of messages that relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes during an international match. Moeen Ali was told by the match referee that while he is free to express his views on such causes away from the cricket field, he is not permitted to wear the wristbands on the field of play and warned not to wear the bands again during an international match.”

This has caused people to urge ICC to take action against Indian skipper Virat Kohli and his team for politicising cricket.