Moeen Ali wears wristbands with 'Save Gaza' and 'Free Palestine' slogans while batting for England against India

Moeen Ali could be the latest England player to face a disciplinary charge after he was pictured wearing wristbands saying ‘save Gaza’ and ‘Free Palestine’ while batting Day Two on Monday July 28,2014 in the 3rd Test at Ageas Bowl Southampton

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Monday night July 28,2014 they were investigating the circumstances which led to Moeen – a British-born Muslim who wears a beard as a symbol of his faith – choosing to make a political statement while playing for England.

The ICC code reads: ‘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 unless approved in advance by the player or team official’s Board.
'Approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes.’

The ECB confirmed on Monday night that Ali had not asked their permission, although a spokesman said: ‘We do not believe Moeen has committed an offence.’ 

If the ICC investigation deems Moeen has breached regulations he could be fined up 50 per cent of his match fee for a level one contravention – the same punishment handed out to India all-rounder Ravi Jadeja for his part in a confrontation with England fast bowler James Anderson during the first Test at Trent Bridge.

Moeen Ali featured in a Twitter post by the Ummah Welfare Trust after he helped raise money for the people of Gaza in his home city of Birmingham

Cricketer Moeen Ali has been told to stop wearing his 'Save Gaza' and 'Free Palestine' wristbands while playing for England by the International Cricket Council.

The 27-year-old all-rounder from Birmingham walked onto the pitch in Southampton today apparently free from the plastic bands he wore yesterday declaring his support for the population of Gaza. 

England were prepared to let Ali continue wearing the wristbands during the remainder of the third Investec Test against India, but the ICC has ruled that its international sports arena was not the place for the British Muslim's show of solidarity.

He has not been charged or punished, but simply told the wristbands must go when he is out on the field.