CRICKET
ICC warns Pakistan players to stop wearing smartwatches
Two Pakistan cricketers were spotted wearing smartwatches during the opening day of their first Test against England at Lord’s.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has warned Pakistani players to stop wearing smartwatches during play to avoid allegations of match-fixing, the cricket’s governing body declared on Friday.
Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam were both spotted wearing the devices during the opening day of Pakistan’s Test against England at Lord’s.
Communication devices prohibited
Even though there was no allegation of any wrongdoing by the Pakistani cricketers, the ICC prohibits watches connected in any way to a phone or WiFi.
‘Communications devices are prohibited within the player and match officials area. No player is allowed to be in possession of or use a communications device which is connected to the internet whilst there,’ cricket’s governing body said in a statement.
Only match officials are allowed to retain specific devices to communicate with their colleagues while performing their duties.
In recent year, match-fixing has become a major concern for the ICC.
In August 2010, Pakistan’s Salmann Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, who is in the current side, were part of a spot-fixing scandal during a Test against England.
All three players served time in prison and were handed multi-year bans from cricket.
Pakistan claims day in first Test
At the opening day of their first Test at Lord’s, England were bowled out for 184 by the Southern Asians.
Pakistan pacemen Mohammad Abbas and Hasan Ali took four wickets apiece.