Asad, Babar not allowed to wear smart watches, confirms ICC

The International Cricket Council confirmed on Friday that the players are not allowed to wear smart watches on the field of play.

“Under the Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) Regulations, smart watches are not permitted to be worn on the field and in areas designated as PMOA,” stated ICC. The confirmation comes after Pakistani cricketers Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam were seen wearing smart gadgets while fielding during England’s innings at the Lord’s Test.

“Communications devices are prohibited within the PMOA and no player is allowed to be in possession of or use a communications device which is connected to the internet whilst there,” ICC has added.

“Smart watches in any way connected to a phone or WiFi 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.

In order to bud out financial malpractice in cricket, players and match officials must hand over their mobile phones — and other devices capable of electronic transmission — before play to the appointed ICC anti-corruption officer present at every major international match.