Ali’s act shows the power of sport as political tool
While batting during England’s first innings against India in the ongoing third Test at Southampton, Moeen Ali’s contribution was a painstaking 12 in England’s total of 569 for 7 declared. But in that 42-minute stay at the wicket, the England all-rounder of Pakistani descent had managed to convey his message.
As he took to the field following the dismissal of Joe Root, he was seen wearing two wristbands sporting the messages: ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘Save Gaza’.
It was supposedly in breach of one of the rules of Test cricket that states: “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.”
He was promptly warned by the game’s governing body (ICC) not to repeat the offence, which, considering the fact that the ongoing crisis in Gaza is one of the most emotive and intractable political disputes on the planet, could rank fairly low on the list of potentially inflammatory sporting-political gestures.
Cricket has always been particularly sensitive about the crossover between political action and events on the field. At the 2003 World Cup, the Zimbabwean pair of Henry Olonga and Andy Flower chose to sport black armbands “mourning the death of democracy” in their country.
The Zimbabwe cricket union responded promptly and curtly by giving the two protesters a public dressing-down. Olonga was forced into hiding and fled the country, whilst Flower left Zimbabwe and began the journey that would culminate in his becoming England coach.
There’s no denying the fact that the governing bodies of various sporting disciplines are clearly in a difficult position when it comes to responding to overt political gestures. But then, it should also never be forgotten that athletes are not supple-bodied robots, capable of outstanding feats of endurance yet incapable of free thought.
And more than anything, it shows the power of sport as a political tool.
Despite the ICC’s diktat, Moeen’s action drew plenty of support, including from former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who now plays for Surrey in the English county, who said he would not hesitate to repeat the act.
“Moeen has every right to take this stand,” Azhar wrote on Twitter. “If I was in Moeen’s case I wouldn’t mind getting fined if people realise what’s going on and one life is saved. We have always worn wristbands or ribbons when showing support 4an incident or raising awareness, we do it for animal rights too, why not humans?” Valid point no doubt, but the question is, where does one draw the line?
